Man sentenced in McDonald’s robbery string after throwing water during verdict, feds say
As a Texas jury announced a man’s guilty verdict in a fast-food restaurant robbery string, the man picked up a water bottle and threw it at prosecutors, federal officials said.
Months after the outburst in the courtroom in November, a judge handed down a 722-month prison sentence, which amounts to over 60 years, prosecutors with the Southern District of Texas said in a Feb. 13 news release.
The jury announced its verdict on Nov. 8 following a four-day trial, prosecutors said. Caleb Pickens, 25, was found guilty of interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, according to federal officials.
Pickens’ attorney did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on Feb. 14.
Upon hearing the verdict, Pickens picked up a full water bottle and threw it at the prosecutors’ table, officials said.
“He then threw the water bottle at the lead case agent,” prosecutors said. “Pickens also fought with officers in the courtroom.”
During a 13-day period, from Jan. 11, 2024, to Jan. 23, 2024, Pickens robbed at least three fast-food restaurants and convenience stores in Harris County, Texas, the criminal complaint said.
He mainly targeted McDonald’s restaurants when he entered the establishment, jumped over the counter and threatened workers with a gun as he demanded they open the safe, police said.
In a robbery at a McDonald’s on Jan. 11, he fired a shot while inside the kitchen, police said. The gunshot struck the microwave oven, according to court documents.
Prosecutors said that Pickens held a gun to employees as he demanded money from the establishment.
Pickens often escaped in a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe that he started using a pair of scissors in the ignition, according to prosecutors.
While announcing Pickens’ sentence, the judge recommended that he be placed in a maximum-security prison and said he is a danger to the public, according to the news release.
Houston is located in Harris County.
This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 2:25 PM with the headline "Man sentenced in McDonald’s robbery string after throwing water during verdict, feds say."
