Previously Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty in Connection with Armed Robberies of Five Restaurants

WASHINGTON - David Andrew Williams, 32, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in connection with the armed robberies of five restaurants in Southeast and Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

"Over a series of robberies, this defendant used a firearm to terrorize restaurant workers and undermine the safety of our neighborhoods. Today's guilty plea holds him accountable and brings a measure of justice to the victims," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and prosecute violent offenders to the fullest extent of the law."

Williams pleaded guilty before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to interference with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and to carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Judge Boasberg scheduled sentencing for Sept. 1, 2026.

According to court documents, on July 3, 2024, at about 6 p.m., Williams entered a Subway restaurant on the 3200 block of Pennsylvania Ave. SE. He approached an employee at the cash register, pulled a handgun out of his bag and ordered the employee to "open the drawer." Another employee opened the register and handed Williams approximately $100 in cash. Williams then grabbed the till from the employees and poured the loose coins into a Subway cookie bag before leaving the restaurant.

On Dec. 29, 2024, about 2:17 p.m., Williams returned to the same Subway restaurant. As he approached the cash register, he reached into a bag slung over his shoulder and drew a handgun. An employee handed Williams a box with cash. The employee poured out some change, but Williams put the firearm back into his bag and left without taking the change.

On Dec. 30, 2024, Williams was wearing a surgical mask when he entered Manny & Olga's Pizza, drew his handgun and demanded cash. Williams took all of the money from the cash register and walked out of the store.

On Jan. 14, 2025, he struck the Chipotle restaurant on the 3200 block of Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Williams pointed the pistol at an employee while stating, "You need to open the cash register." Another employee came to the register and opened it for Williams, who grabbed money and fled out of the restaurant.

On Feb. 3, 2025, Williams robbed the Dunkin Donuts on the 800 block of Quincy St. NW. He entered the restaurant, drew a gun, and demanded money from the register. Williams took money from the register tray and left the store. Later that evening, Metro Transit Police officers arrested Williams on a Largo-bound Blue Line train. Officers recovered a black "ghost gun" and 9mm ammunition from the bag Williams carried.

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Metro Transit Police, and the FBI Washington Field Office.

The matter is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Liss for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.

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