Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Multiple Armed Robberies in Austin and San Marcos

Christian Lopez-Burgos, a 27-year-old Honduran national, has pleaded guilty to multiple armed robberies and related charges in Austin and San Marcos, Texas, United States. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Series of Armed Robberies

According to court documents, Lopez-Burgos was involved in several armed robberies and attempted robberies between December 2023 and February 2024. On December 31, 2023, he attempted to rob a fast-food restaurant on I-35 and successfully robbed a convenience store on North Lamar Boulevard in Austin, stealing approximately $6,000 with two masked accomplices. During the robbery, Lopez-Burgos pointed a pistol at an employee working the cash register.

On January 23, 2024, Lopez-Burgos was captured on security footage robbing another convenience store on North Lamar Boulevard. He and four co-conspirators stole about $5,000 while brandishing firearms at two employees. On February 3, 2024, Lopez-Burgos participated in another robbery on Lamar Boulevard in Austin, firing three rounds at an employee and taking approximately $3,000 with two other robbers.

Arrest and Evidence

Police arrested Lopez-Burgos on February 15, 2024, in Houston, Texas, after he attempted to evade authorities in the same vehicle used in most of the robberies. Items stolen during the robberies were found in the vehicle. A search of Lopez-Burgos’ phone revealed a photograph of the handgun used in some robberies and internet searches related to robberies in Austin.

Charges and Sentencing

Lopez-Burgos pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He is scheduled to be sentenced by a federal judge and faces a minimum of 20 years in prison.