A Houston man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for his role in a violent crime spree targeting convenience stores in the Eastern District of Texas. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Victor Guardado Zepeda, 43, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, conspiracy to carry a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On August 26, 2025, U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III sentenced Zepeda to a total of 231 months in federal prison.
Court records show that Zepeda led others in robbing two convenience stores located in Denton and Lewisville. During these incidents, assailants entered the stores armed with firearms and forced an employee to her knees at gunpoint while other accomplices entered the manager’s office and severely beat another employee. The group stole over $100,000 from the locations.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, which is described as “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” According to officials, Operation Take Back America brings together efforts from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation involved cooperation between the FBI, Denton Police Department and Lewisville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver prosecuted the case.
