4th Suspect Indicted for Over a Dozen Liquor, Convenience Store Robberies in Chicago

Introduction to the Case

A federal superseding indictment unsealed Friday charged a fourth member of a group allegedly responsible for robbing multiple liquor stores, convenience stores, and bars in Chicago.

Authorities said 26-year-old Xavier Harris worked with his brother, 27-year-old Ardaries Harris, along with Jordan Fox, 25, and Roosevelt Veal, 27, in robbing over a dozen businesses in 2023 and 2024.

List of Robberies

The indictment said the group conspired to rob the following businesses in Chicago:

• Aug. 24, 2023: Ace’s Liquor and Tap, 4400 block of West Armitage Avenue.
• Nov. 24, 2023: Super Saving Food, 4400 block of West Belmont Avenue.
• Jan. 10, 2024: A&R Food Mart, 5900 block of West Grand Avenue.
• Jan. 11, 2024: Central Extra Value Food and Liquor, 2900 block of North Central Avenue.
• Jan. 13, 2024: Buchanas Food & Liquor, 1800 block of West 47th Street.
• Jan. 15, 2024: Mr. P Beverage Depot, 2000 block of West Division Street.
• Jan. 15, 2024: Before You Go Liquor, 1900 block of West Fullerton Avenue.
• Jan. 15, 2024: Clybourn Market, 2800 block of North Clybourn Avenue.
• May 3, 2024: Humboldt Haus Liquor, 2900 block of West North Avenue.
• May 3, 2024: Gladstone Food Mart, 5700 block of North Milwaukee Avenue.
• May 4, 2024: Irish Nobleman Pub, 1300 block of West Erie Street.
• May 7, 2024: Buchanas Food & Liquor, 1800 block of West 47th Street.
• May 7, 2024: El Trebol Liquors and Bar, 1100 block of West 18th Street.
• May 7, 2024: Community Food and Liquor, 5500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue.
• May 9, 2024: Basil Food & Liquor, 7700 block of North Western Avenue.

Modus Operandi

The group reportedly used stolen vehicles as getaway cars, wore masks, and brandished guns during the incidents. During some of the robberies, the group fired shots from machine guns, according to the indictment.

Previous Charges and New Indictment

Ardaries, Fox, and Veal were originally charged in 2024 with conspiracy, robbery, and gun charges in connection with five robberies or attempted robberies. The superseding indictment adds Xavier as a defendant, charges 10 more robberies or attempted robberies, and raises the mandatory minimum sentence for Ardaries, Fox, and Veal to 30 years each, according to authorities.

Sentencing

Officials said Xavier faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 21 years, while the maximum sentence for each of the four members of the group is life in prison.

Arrest and Arraignment

Xavier was arrested Thursday, March 27, and was arraigned in court on Friday, March 28, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ardaries, Fox, and Veal, meanwhile, were already in federal custody and will be arraigned at a later date.

Conclusion

The indictment of the fourth suspect marks a significant development in the investigation into the series of robberies that plagued Chicago’s liquor stores, convenience stores, and bars. As the case proceeds, it will be important to follow the legal proceedings and any further developments.

FAQs

Q: How many suspects have been indicted in connection with the robberies?
A: Four suspects have been indicted: Xavier Harris, Ardaries Harris, Jordan Fox, and Roosevelt Veal.
Q: What is the mandatory minimum sentence faced by Xavier Harris?
A: Xavier Harris faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 21 years.
Q: How many businesses were robbed by the group?
A: According to the indictment, the group robbed over a dozen businesses in Chicago.
Q: What was the modus operandi of the group during the robberies?
A: The group used stolen vehicles as getaway cars, wore masks, and brandished guns during the incidents, and in some cases, fired shots from machine guns.