In Austin on Friday, a federal judge sentenced Aryan Brotherhood members Roy Ates, Jr., and Chad Ryan Smith, to 180 months and 160 months in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a 2016 Burleson County (TX) carjacking that resulted in the serious bodily injury to the owner of the vehicle announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner, Houston Division.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Sam Sparks ordered that Ates, age 40 of College Station, TX, and Smith, age 32 of Somerville, TX, be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing their prison terms.
According to court records, the victim in this case, an African American, drove to a residence in Somerville on July 2, 2016.
Upon his arrival, the defendants ambushed him and began assaulting him while the victim was still inside his vehicle.
During the physical altercation, Ates brandished a large knife and cut the victim’s hand, which required multiple stitches.
Claiming they needed it to get to Austin to catch a bus to Missouri, the defendants the took control of the victim’s vehicle and drove to a remote area in Lee County where they forced the victim to exit the vehicle.
Instead of going to Austin, the defendants returned to Burleson County in the victim’s vehicle.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to identifying, apprehending and prosecuting violent criminals in an effort to deter crime and protect the citizens of our communities,” stated United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr.,
“As the Attorney General has directed, we will continue our aggressive efforts in using the tools available to us to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions and ensure appropriate sanctions under federal law.”
“The FBI remains committed to investigating those who pose a threat to society and violate the most basic civil liberties of the American people,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner, Houston Division.
“Violent crimes inflicted upon our citizens erode the trust that is inherent in a law abiding society.”
“The FBI will continue to combine our resources with our local, state, and federal partners to mitigate this prevalent threat in an efficient and effective manner.”
On April 25, 2107, federal authorities arrested the defendants in Burleson County. They have since remained in federal custody.
The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Rangers, Burleson County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force out of the FBI Resident Agency Office in Bryan, TX, investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Grant Sparks prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
