A Grand Prairie woman has been indicted on a federal robbery charge after authorities say she helped plan an armed holdup at the Golden Chick restaurant where she worked.
Laura Gonzalez, 44, was indicted September 1 on a charge of interfering with commerce by robbery, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
Undercover Investigation Stopped Alleged Plot
According to a criminal complaint, Gonzalez communicated with a person she believed could help carry out the robbery between August 3 and August 6.
The person was working undercover with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and connected Gonzalez with an ATF special agent.
Investigators say Gonzalez identified the Golden Chick at 3051 East Mayfield Road in Grand Prairie as the intended target and provided information she allegedly believed would help the robbery succeed.
Employee Allegedly Shared Restaurant Details
Prosecutors allege Gonzalez provided employee schedules, information about the restaurant’s safe and expected cash, camera locations and instructions for entering through an unlocked rear door.
She also allegedly provided a hand-drawn diagram of the restaurant and repeatedly encouraged the robbery to happen during the early morning hours while employees were present.
According to the complaint, Gonzalez discussed using firearms and said she planned to be at the restaurant during the robbery to make the situation appear less suspicious. She also allegedly expected to receive part of the proceeds, estimated at between $3,000 and $4,000.
On August 6, investigators say Gonzalez sent a video recorded inside the restaurant showing a path to the safe and the location of the digital video recorder system.
Arrest Came Before Robbery
ATF agents arrested Gonzalez on August 6, before the planned robbery occurred. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said the investigation prevented the alleged scheme from escalating into violence.
“Thanks to the ATF’s swift action and thorough investigation, a dangerous scheme was stopped before anyone was harmed,” Raybould said.
ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner said the case demonstrates the importance of investigating potential violent crimes before they happen.
Federal Charges Carry Potential Prison Sentence
Federal prosecutors allege the planned conduct would have affected interstate commerce because Golden Chick operates in multiple states and relies on interstate supply chains and internet-based services.
If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of as much as $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The ATF Dallas Field Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Northern District of Texas Violent Crime section are prosecuting Gonzalez.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations, and Gonzalez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Provided by Dallas Express
