PITTSBURGH, PA — Eric Jones, a 34-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand, is for charges of robbery, attempted robbery, and firearms violations. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
According to details presented in court, Jones committed four armed robberies at various businesses around Pittsburgh within a span of nine days in March 2022. Jones’ crime spree began on March 6, when he robbed Fox’s Pizza on Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont, PA. During this incident, Jones shot the business owner several times, causing serious injuries.
On March 10, Jones struck again, this time robbing the Sunoco gas station and convenience store on Hulton Road in Verona, PA. In this instance, he also used a firearm during the robbery.
On March 15, Jones attempted to rob the Family Dollar on Frankstown Avenue in Pittsburgh. During this attempted robbery, Jones fired his pistol towards the back of the store. Just 30 minutes later, Jones attempted another robbery at the Edgewood Avenue Express in Edgewood, PA. During this attempt, Jones shot the store owner once and tried to shoot him again, but his gun jammed. The bullet grazed the store owner, but it did not result in a severe injury.
As a convicted felon, Jones was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Before imposing the sentence, Judge Wiegand emphasized the severity of Jones’ actions and the impact they had on the victims and their families. Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan praised the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); the Allegheny County Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Penn Hills Police Department; the Oakmont Police Department; the Edgewood Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for their extensive and collaborative investigation. Their efforts led to the successful prosecution of Jones.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.