AUSTIN, Texas — A Honduran national has been sentenced to 375 months in federal prison for a series of armed robberies in Austin, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.
Christian Lopez-Burgos, a 27-year-old, was involved in multiple armed robberies, including an attempted robbery of a fast-food restaurant and a convenience store on December 31, 2023, where he and accomplices stole approximately $6,000, according to court documents. On January 23, 2024, Lopez-Burgos was captured on security video during another robbery on North Lamar Boulevard, stealing $5,000, stated the source.
Lopez-Burgos and his co-conspirators also targeted a vape and smoke shop in San Marcos on January 27, 2024, stealing CBD, kratom items, and glass pipes, while threatening employees with firearms. Another robbery on February 3, 2024, involved Lopez-Burgos firing three rounds at a store employee after an alarm was triggered, resulting in the theft of $3,000.
He was arrested in Houston on February 15, 2024, after attempting to evade police in the vehicle used in the robberies. A search of the vehicle revealed stolen items and clothing linked to the crimes, according to the press release.
Lopez-Burgos pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and firearm offenses. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman presided over the case. The FBI, along with Austin, San Marcos, and Houston Police Departments, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Henneke, Thomas Parnham, and Gabriel Cohen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.