Federal Sentences for Holiday Robbery Duo
In a drastic turn of events, two Corpus Christi residents are now facing significant prison time for a string of holiday robberies that kicked off on Christmas Day. Judge Davis S. Morales imposed sentences earlier this week, highlighting the distress inflicted on workers in convenience stores amid the holiday hustle.
Jonathan Stein, just 20 years old, received the more severe penalty of eight years in federal prison, while his accomplice, Alvaro Martinez, 21, was sentenced to just under six years. Once their prison terms are served, both men will also be supervised for an additional three years while on probation.
The Crimes Unfold
The duo had initially confessed to their crimes back in August. They reportedly carried out a series of armed robberies at three separate Stripes convenience stores between December 25 and December 27, 2024.
According to court records and the evidence presented during the proceedings, the crime wave began on Christmas Day itself. Security footage from one of the Stripes stores on Airline Road showed Stein, donning a red and grey ski mask while brandishing a handgun that had a high-capacity drum magazine, as he demanded cash from the store employee.
They struck again two days later, employing similar tactics. While Stein took on the role of the armed robber inside the store, Martinez admitted to being the one who provided the firearm and acted as the getaway driver.
How They Got Caught
Law enforcement’s investigation picked up steam after they found a concerning photograph of Martinez, posing with both a substantial stack of cash and a firearm. That weapon was later identified as the one utilized in the robbery incidents. Further searches of Martinez’s car yielded the gun and a mask that matched the description of the one worn during the robberies.
Even with their sentences, both men are currently out on bond. They’ve been instructed to surrender voluntarily to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, which is set to be determined soon.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin, with assistance from a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Corpus Christi Police Department.
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