MAN SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS FOR “JUGGING” CRIME

  

Robert Jarrad Clark, 33, of Houston, was convicted by a jury of Aggravated Robbery, a first degree felony, Thursday afternoon, and sentenced to 45 years confinement. Judge Carson Campbell presided over the trial in the 21st District Court in Brenham.  First Assistant District Attorney Eric Berg and Assistant District Attorney Lauren Haevischer represented the State at trial, and Maverick Ray, also from Houston, represented the Defendant.
Clark was arrested by the Brenham Police Department on April 6, 2015 after being identified as the person who followed an elderly Brenham couple home from the bank, pushed the gentleman (84 years of age) to the ground and drove off with their recent cash withdrawal. The crime is known as “jugging” and is believed to have originated in the Northeast part of Houston where it has been perpetuated by local street gangs. “Jugging” has been occurring more frequently in areas beyond Houston, including Brenham.
District Attorney Julie Renken spoke about the effect of Houston gangs locally, “We are seeing more instances of Houston gangs, and the gang culture, impacting our communities. The area is no longer protected from these kinds of crimes simply because of distance. This verdict will hopefully show Houston criminals that the price of doing business in Washington County is high.”
At the punishment phase, officers from the Houston Police Department testified about prior dealings with Clark, “jugging” in general, and the reach of the trend into smaller outlying towns. Clark’s prior convictions were presented to the jury, including charges from Houston for burglary of a vehicle and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Maverick Ray pled for leniency because this was, “not the worst crime in the world,” and claimed, “[Mr. Clark] doesn’t pose a violent threat to human life.” He further minimized the offense saying it would be, “safe to say Mr. Clark was not intending to hurt [the victim] . . . just intended to cause financial hardship.” Berg contended otherwise, “Mr. Clark has a line of victims and light sentences back to 2003.”
Based on Clark’s criminal history and prior felony conviction, the range of was 15 to 99 years, or life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The offense is what’s known as a “3G” offense meaning Clark must serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole. In addition, Clark admitted being a member of the criminal street gang, “5th Ward Circle” based out of Northeast Houston.
During closing, Eric Berg implored the jury to “Protect your community. Reject this behavior. Hold Mr. Clark accountable.” He commented similarly afterward, “This is a predatory crime. It could happen to you, your friend, your spouse, or your grandparents.” Later, Berg said of the verdict, “45 years means something to the guys in Houston who see us as a target.”.