Fontana Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Southern California Pharmacies
Introduction to the Case
A 39-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday, August 14 to his role in a crew that robbed pharmacies across Southern California, stealing cash and narcotics at the point of a gun.
Aaron Carter of Fontana entered his plea in L.A. federal court to counts of interference with commerce by robbery and using a firearm in a crime of violence, court papers show.
The Guilty Plea and Sentencing
He was the last of four defendants to plead guilty in the case.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 20.
According to his plea agreement, Carter and his co-defendants robbed pharmacies in Newport Beach, Woodland Hills, Temecula and Fullerton in August and September 2024, and attempted to rob two of the same stores the following month.
Investigation and Modus Operandi
An affidavit in the case says that a violent crime task force in Orange County, which was linked to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, had been investigating the pharmacy heists. During each of the robberies, officials said, three male suspects entered the pharmacies wearing hoodies and face masks.
Two of the suspects, armed with guns, would force employees to the ground, steal cash from the registers and violently drag employees around the store, prosecutors said. The third suspect would grab a trash can from inside the pharmacies to carry the stolen drugs, according to the affidavit.
Failed Robbery Attempts
In October 2024, the crew returned to the Woodland Hills pharmacy they had previously robbed, but employees recognized them and locked the doors to the store before they could enter, prosecutors said. The would-be robbers fled.
A week later, Carter and two co-defendants attempted to rob the Temecula store they had hit before, but store employees told them that they did not have access to the safe or the narcotics the defendants were demanding, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The crew ran back to their vehicle.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of Aaron Carter marks the end of a series of armed robberies that targeted pharmacies across Southern California. The case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the bravery of pharmacy employees who resisted the robbers. The sentencing of Carter and his co-defendants will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar criminal activities.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against Aaron Carter?
A: Carter pleaded guilty to counts of interference with commerce by robbery and using a firearm in a crime of violence.
Q: How many pharmacies were robbed by the crew?
A: The crew robbed pharmacies in Newport Beach, Woodland Hills, Temecula, and Fullerton.
Q: What happened during the failed robbery attempts?
A: In one attempt, employees recognized the robbers and locked the doors, while in another attempt, employees told the robbers they did not have access to the safe or narcotics.
Q: When is the sentencing scheduled?
A: Sentencing is set for Nov. 20.
Originally Published: August 14, 2025 at 5:39 PM PDT
