Two Corpus Christi men will spend years in federal prison after admitting their roles in a string of armed robberies that targeted local convenience stores during the 2024 holiday season. Federal officials say the sentences reflect the seriousness of the crimes and the danger posed to the community.
According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Jonathan Stein, 20, and Alvaro Martinez, 21, pleaded guilty on August 4 to charges connected to multiple aggravated robberies. On sentencing day, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales imposed lengthy prison terms, underscoring the fear and risk inflicted on victims during the crimes.
Federal Sentences Reflect Severity of Crimes
Judge Morales sentenced Stein to 96 months in federal prison, while Martinez received a 68-month sentence. In addition to incarceration, both men will serve three years of supervised release once they complete their prison terms.
During the hearing, the court reviewed surveillance footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence tied to the robberies. Judge Morales emphasized that armed robberies—particularly those involving firearms—carry a high potential for violence and long-lasting emotional harm for victims. As a result, the court imposed the sentences not only to punish but also to deter similar crimes.
Robberies Spanned Christmas Week
Series of Incidents Across Corpus Christi
Court records show that the robberies occurred between December 25 and December 27, 2024. During that period, Stein and Martinez worked together to target three Stripes convenience stores across Corpus Christi.
On Christmas Day, surveillance cameras captured Stein entering a Stripes store on Airline Road. He wore a red-and-gray ski mask and brandished a firearm equipped with a drum magazine. According to investigators, Stein demanded cash from the cashier, who complied out of fear for personal safety.
Approximately two days later, Stein carried out another robbery at a different Stripes location. This time, prosecutors said Martinez played a more direct role by supplying the firearm and serving as the getaway driver. The coordinated nature of the crimes highlighted a pattern of planning rather than impulsive behavior.
Evidence Tied Both Men to the Crimes
Federal investigators later uncovered a photograph showing Martinez posing with a firearm and a large amount of cash. Authorities determined that the weapon in the image matched the firearm used during the robberies.
When law enforcement searched Martinez’s vehicle, they recovered the firearm along with a red-and-black mask consistent with the disguise seen in surveillance footage. This evidence proved critical in linking both defendants to the crimes and supporting the charges brought against them.
Investigation Led by Federal and Local Agencies
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, working closely with the Corpus Christi Police Department. Officials credited the collaboration between federal and local agencies for the swift identification and arrest of the suspects.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case on behalf of the federal government. Prosecutors highlighted the defendants’ use of a firearm with a high-capacity magazine as an aggravating factor that increased the potential for deadly outcomes.
What Happens Next for the Defendants
Although the court has finalized sentencing, Stein and Martinez remain on bond pending appeal. Both men are expected to voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility that officials will designate in the coming weeks.
Federal officials reiterated that violent crimes involving firearms will continue to receive priority attention, especially when they threaten workers and customers during routine daily activities. Authorities also encouraged community members to report suspicious activity, noting that public cooperation often plays a key role in solving cases.
Community Impact and Broader Message
The robberies shook employees and customers who were simply going about their day, some on Christmas itself. Prosecutors noted that crimes committed during holidays can have an even more profound emotional impact, as they disrupt times traditionally associated with family and safety.
Ultimately, the case serves as a reminder that coordinated armed robberies carry serious federal consequences. Law enforcement leaders say the sentences send a clear message: courts will impose significant prison time for violent offenses that endanger lives.