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Date: 06-13-2019
Case Style:
United States of America v. Kenya Preston Williams
Case Number: 1:19-cr-00029-AJT
Judge:
Court: United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Arlington County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: Alexander E. Blanchard and Nicholas Ulysses Murphy, II
Defendant's Attorney: Harry Adrian Dennis, III
Description:
Alexandria, VA - Man Convicted for Role in Gas Station Robberies
A federal jury convicted a Washington, D.C. man for his participation in a string of armed robberies.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Kenya Preston Williams, 37, participated in the armed robbery of an Exxon gas station in Alexandria and two different armed robberies of the same Shell gas station in Falls Church. Williams’ co-conspirator, Steven Oneil Houston, 26, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to charges of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“Williams is a violent criminal who engaged in a series of attempted robberies with a firearm,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Removing violent criminals off our streets is critical to ensuring that all have the opportunity to feel safe and secure where they live, go to school, and raise their families. My thanks to our local and federal law enforcement partners who assisted in this investigation and whose outstanding work allowed us to achieve this conviction.”
Williams was convicted of conspiring to obstruct commerce by robbery, obstructing commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces up to life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 21 years in prison when sentenced on September 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Through our partnerships and WFO’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, we continue our commitment to investigate violent crime,” said Charles Dayoub, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division. “We will work together to keep our communities safe and bring justice to those who endanger the public.”
Charges:
18:1951(a) Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery (FORFEITURE0
(1)
18:1951(a) and 2 Hobbs Act Robbery (FORFEITURE)
(2-4)
18:924(c)(1)(A) & 2 Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (FORFEITURE)
(5-7)
18:922(g)(1) Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (FORFEITURE)
(8-10)
Outcome: 06/12/2019 65 Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge Anthony J. Trenga: Jury Trial (Day 3) as to Kenya Preston Williams held on 6/12/2019. Counsel appeared same as previous days. Jury begins deliberations. Jury submits note at 11:05. The Court responds to the Jury in open court. Jury continues deliberations. Jury reaches a verdict and finds the Defendant guilty on all Counts. Jury polled. Jury discharged. Defendant directed to USPO for PSIR. Sentencing set for 9/13/2019 at 09:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 701 before District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. Defendant remanded. (Attachments: # 1 Government Witness List, # 2 Government Exhibit List, # 3 Jury Note #1, # 4 Jury Instructions, # 5 Trial Exhibit Certificate of Review)(Court Reporter R. Montgomery)(dzir) (Entered: 06/12/2019)
06/12/2019 66 JURY VERDICT as to Kenya Preston Williams (1) Guilty on all Counts (Counts 1-10). (dzir) (Entered: 06/12/2019)
06/12/2019 67 ORDERED that the Clerk is hereby relieved of all responsibility for said exhibits and that upon request of the clerk, the custodian of the exhibits shall deliver said exhibits to the clerk forthwith. Signed by District Judge Anthony J. Trenga on 6/12/2019. (dzir) (Entered: 06/12/2019)
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: