San Antonio Man Sentenced for Pharmacy Heists

News Summary

Atseko Factor, a 40-year-old man, has been sentenced to 339 months in federal prison for robbing three pharmacies in San Antonio. The crimes, committed in late 2020, involved the use of firearms and resulted in the theft of over $43,000. Factor, along with co-defendant Andre Dupree Jack, terrorized employees during the heists, leading to significant community concern. Factor pleaded guilty and has been ordered to pay restitution, while Jack awaits his sentencing. The case highlights the ongoing issue of crime in the area.

San Antonio Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Pharmacy Heists

San Antonio has witnessed its fair share of crime, but a recent case has escalated to an entirely new level. Atseko Factor, a 40-year-old man, has just received a hefty sentence of 339 months in federal prison— that’s more than 28 years! This serious punishment comes after he was convicted of robbing three pharmacies. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza has made the announcement for the Western District of Texas, shedding light on the shocking reality of these pharmacy robberies.

A String of Heists

The crimes took place between October and December in 2020, when Factor, alongside co-defendant Andre Dupree Jack, 41, embarked on a crime spree that targeted pharmacies in Luling, Pleasanton, and Seguin. Both armed with firearms, they didn’t shy away from using threats and violence. Employees at the pharmacies faced an immediate nightmare as Factor and Jack pointed guns at them, demanding cash and prescription drugs.

In total, the duo made off with over $43,000 worth of controlled substances, cash, and other items from the pharmacies. Among the three robberies, the incident at Center Pharmacy in Pleasanton on October 31, 2020, stands out as particularly alarming. During this early morning robbery, pharmacist Mike Watts and two other individuals were threatened, bound with zip ties, and forced to endure the terrifying ordeal.

Sensational Rescue

As if the tension couldn’t get any higher, there was a brave bystander named Wilbur Palmer who walked in during the robbery. He displayed remarkable courage in helping to free the hostages and promptly called 9-1-1. It’s community heroes like him that shine a light even in the darkest of times.

Factors Leading to Guilt

Factor eventually pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of pharmacy robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on September 10, 2022. As a part of the penalty, he has also been ordered to pay approximately $47,000 in restitution to cover some of the loss incurred by the pharmacies. This fine, though substantial, is just a fraction of the chaos he created in the community.

Co-Defendant Awaiting Sentencing

Meanwhile, Andre Dupree Jack is not off the hook just yet. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit pharmacy robbery, as well as four counts of brandishing a firearm just last year. His sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2025, leaving many in San Antonio to wonder what his fate will be.

Investigative Efforts

The robust investigation behind this case was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, working closely with local police departments. The thorough efforts of law enforcement underscore the importance of community safety and the lengths authorities will go to bring criminals to justice.

This case marks another chapter in the ongoing battle against crime in San Antonio. With Factor now off the streets and facing a lengthy prison term, many locals can breathe a little easier knowing that justice has been served. However, the community remains vigilant, recognizing that even one individual’s actions can impact so many lives.