Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for violent crimes committed in Grayson and Tarrant Counties, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Brian Deboris Black, 33, Jason Von Brown, 44, and Kenneth Holt, 44, were convicted for their roles in separate incidents.
In October 2020, Black, Brown, and Holt robbed a Dollar General store in Tom Bean, Texas. During the robbery, Black threatened employees with a firearm and later pointed the weapon at individuals outside the store.
Ten days later, Black and Brown committed a home invasion robbery in Mansfield, Texas. They entered a home at gunpoint, kidnapped three family members, and demanded money. Black shot one of the family members, causing permanent injuries.
Black faced trial on May 16, 2023, where evidence including co-defendant testimony, DNA, and video footage led to his conviction on multiple charges. He was sentenced to 489 months in prison.
Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and aiding and abetting, receiving a 180-month sentence. Abram, who orchestrated the home invasion, received 200 months after pleading guilty to similar charges.
Holt, who pleaded guilty to his role in the Dollar General robbery, was sentenced to 96 months in October 2022.
Restitution was ordered for the victims.
“The commission of violent crimes such as these—threatening, shooting, and injuring innocent people will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Diggs. “The sentences that these defendants received demonstrates that justice for the victims was served and our communities will be safer as a result. Black, who was the most violent member of the crew, effectively received a life sentence and ensures that he will no longer be a threat to society.”
The case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, a collaborative effort to reduce violent crime. It was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey M. Batson and Ernest Gonzalez.
