MAN SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS FOR “JUGGING” CRIME
(Washington Co. mugshot)
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.”.
“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.””
This increase in “gang culture” is most likely associated with the rampant drug epidemic in Washington County. Don’t blame it on Houston or gangs, do something to stop the drug trafficking, use and abuse in Washington County and surrounding rural areas and you will see these and other despicable crimes decrease or disappear as well.
You obviously have paid no attention to what is going on. The DA’s office have a no probation policy for drug dealers. Period. Even first time offenders. You sell drugs you go to prison. Just ask those in law enforcement.
Don’t blame it on Houston or gangs?
The two guys that committed this offense were Houston gang members who came to Brenham. Doesn’t look like drugs had anything to do with it, this time.
Drugs are a means to end, though. The common denominators are money and perceived respect. The gang life is glorified through images of bangers from the big cities (ATL, LA, Houston) making it rain at strip clubs, and living lives beyond what average blue collar kid from rural Washington County can dream of. They’re all just “tryina get a check.”
I wish Washington County would make a point to let SEX OFFEDERS know that the price is high in Washington County as well. JUST A THOUGHT! Man gets 45 years for “jugging” sex offenders get probation.
For a small town Brennan does have a lot of sex offenders. It’s quite disturbing to be honest. Not to take away from the severity of this crime.
Most sex offenders in Washington County get some serious prison time. 725 years, 159 years, 35 years to name a few sentences given. Every case is has its own facts. Probation is the exception in sex cases here. Go do your research. Glad that we have a DA’s office that will look at every case to determine justice in that case. The reason this case was 1st degree was the age of the victim. (Higher punishment due to 65 or older). Elder abuse alone would only be a third degree. Looks like a good call to go Aggravated Robbery.
He should have been convicted of elderly abuse!
That’s a much lesser degree felony.