Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Early March Robbery Spree, Firearms Law Violations
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of robbery, attempted robbery, and firearms violations, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The nine-count Indictment named Eric Jones, 32, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Jones committed four robberies and attempted robberies from March 6, 2022, until March 15, 2022. Specifically, on March 6, 2022, Jones is alleged to have committed a robbery at the Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakmont. Jones is also accused of committing a robbery at a Sunoco gas station and convenience store in Verona on March 10, 2022. On March 15, 2022, Jones is accused of attempting to rob a Family Dollar on Frankstown Road in Pittsburgh, and the Edgewood Avenue Express in Edgewood. The Indictment further alleges that Jones discharged a firearm during three of those robberies, and brandished a firearm in connection with another. Jones also is also accused of possessing a semiautomatic pistol from March 6, 2022 until March 19, 2022.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $2,225,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was the result of a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Oakmont Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Edgewood Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.