HOUSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Texas, Southern), published as received.
HOUSTON – A jury has convicted a 20-year-old Houston resident for aiding and abetting a robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for four hours before finding Patrick Norman guilty following a three-day trial.
On Jan. 29, 2024, Norman acted as a lookout while Danial Starr, 20, Houston, entered the Spring Smoke Shop on Veteran’s Memorial Drive, brandished a firearm at an employee and stole cash and smoke products. The pair then fled the scene.
An eyewitness identified Norman which led to his subsequent arrest.
At that time, he claimed not to know Starr at all. However, the jury heard testimony as to how authorities saw surveillance footage implicating Norman and phone records that showed communication between him and Starr prior to the robbery.
During trial, the jury heard the testimony from the victim store clerk who was robbed.
The defense attempted to convince the jury Norman never intended to aid and abet a robbery. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner will impose sentencing at a later date, at which time Norman faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Previously released on bond, Norman was taken into custody April 21 after arriving late for trial. He will remain there pending sentencing.
Starr had pleaded guilty prior to trial and awaits sentencing as does another Houston resident charged in relation to the case, Calvin Deshazo, 19, who had admitted to aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during two other robberies which took place on another date.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Anh-Khoa Tran are prosecuting the case.
