Two Corpus Christi residents have been sentenced to federal prison for a series of aggravated robberies that took place around Christmas, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jonathan Stein, 20, and Alvaro Martinez, 21, pleaded guilty on August 4. U.S. District Judge Davis S. Morales sentenced Stein to 96 months in prison and Martinez to 68 months. Both will serve three years of supervised release after completing their sentences.
During the sentencing hearing, additional evidence was presented regarding the robberies committed on Christmas Day and in the following days. Judge Morales commented on the gravity of the crimes: “In handing down the sentences, Judge Morales noted the seriousness of the offenses and the fear and danger their actions caused the victims.”
From December 25 to December 27, 2024, Stein and Martinez collaborated to rob three Stripes convenience stores in Corpus Christi. Surveillance footage showed Stein entering a Stripes store on Airline Road on December 25 wearing a red and grey ski mask and displaying a firearm with an attached drum magazine while demanding money from an employee.
Two days later, another Stripes location was robbed in a similar manner. Authorities determined that Martinez provided the firearm used in both incidents and acted as getaway driver.
Investigators found a photograph showing Martinez with a firearm and cash; this weapon matched one used during the robberies. Police located this same firearm inside his vehicle along with a red-and-black mask resembling that seen during the crimes.
Both men were allowed to remain free on bond until they surrender voluntarily at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be designated.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with help from Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes such as these (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx). The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within its jurisdiction (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/about-us), which includes cities like Houston and Corpus Christi (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/about-us). The Southern District covers over nine million people across 43 counties from Houston to near Mexico’s border (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/about-us).
Since its establishment in 1902 when Congress created judicial districts within Texas (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/history), this office has served as chief prosecutor for federal cases in its region (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/about-us) under appointment by the President with Senate confirmation (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/about-us).
