United States of America v. David Houston Vargas

Denver, Colorado criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with robbing two stores using a firearm, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.



On November 14, 2020, the David Houston Vargae, ate 30, committed two armed robberies, one at a Foot Locker store in Lakewood, Colorado, and another at a DSW store in Westminster, Colorado. In both robberies, he brandished a revolver in order for him and his co-defendant to grab merchandise from the stores. The defendant told one store employee something to the effect of, "This is my first time...don't do anything stupid.” Later that evening, the defendant got into a car chase with an Adams County Sheriff's Deputy, while his co-defendant in the car he was driving repeatedly fired shots at the deputy using the defendant's revolver. Vargas was identified and arrested several days later.



The Honorable Judge R. Brooke Jackson presided over the four-day trial. The jury returned its verdict on June 3, 2022. Vargas faces over 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 16, 2022.



This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lakewood Police Department, the Westminster Police Department, and the Adams County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celeste Rangel, Melissa Hindman and Elizabeth Young.

Defendant was found guilty by a jury.