Valentine’s Day gas station robber who tried to plead insanity found guilty

HOUSTON - A 42-year-old Houston man has been convicted on all five counts as charged in relation to several Houston-area robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding Ahmed Oraby Ahmedaly guilty of attempted robbery and two counts each of robbery and discharging a firearm following a five-day trial.

During trial, the jury heard from store clerk victims, a firearm and tool mark examiner and other members of law enforcement. Testimony revealed that on Feb. 9, 2022, Ahmedaly entered a Houston-area gas station pretending to be a customer, brandished a 9mm pistol at a store clerk and demanded cash. Five days later, he robbed two more convenience stores in west Houston on the same night. In each, he again brandished the pistol and demanded money. During the Feb. 14 robberies, he also discharged the firearm inside the stores as he ordered clerks to quickly comply.

The jury saw video surveillance capturing a blue Honda at all three robberies which showed the same man entering the stores.

At the time of his arrest, authorities recovered the loaded 9mm pistol in his vehicle. Forensic analysis confirmed the firearm matched a recovered cartridge casing from the Feb. 14 robbery.

The jury also heard several jail calls in which Ahmedaly discussed the firearm being used and admitted he was the man seen on store video.

The defense claimed Ahmedaly was insane at the time of the offenses and attempted to offer testimony from his friend and sister as part of that argument. However, the court heard evidence that his sister and friend had, in fact, had minimal contact with him for years prior to the offenses.

A forensic psychologist who had examined Ahmedaly found he was faking and exaggerating his psychotic symptoms.

The jury also heard rebuttal information to explain his sane behavior and the same methods of operation he used in all three store robberies. On the stand, Ahmedaly admitted he knew what he did was wrong.

The jury ultimately did not believe defense claims and found him guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 11. At that time, Ahmedaly faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the Houston Police Department, Harris County Constables Office - Precinct 5 and Waller County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez and Andrew Sand are prosecuting the case.