Brothers get 40 years for Pappas BBQ robbery

**Conroe Brothers Sentenced to 40 Years Each for Pappas Bar-B-Q Aggravated Robbery**

Conroe, TX – Two brothers, Demarcus Dewayne Johnson and Deon Deonta Johnson, have each been sentenced to 40 years in state prison for the aggravated robbery of a Conroe Pappas Bar-B-Q restaurant that occurred in August 2017. The substantial sentences, handed down earlier this week in the 9th state District Court, highlight the severity of the crime and the significant impact of the defendants’ prior criminal histories.

The brazen robbery took place on August 15, 2017, at the Pappas Bar-B-Q located at 12987 Interstate 45 North. According to court documents and reports from the Conroe Police Department, Demarcus Johnson, 28, entered the establishment armed with a handgun. He proceeded directly to the restaurant’s office, where he confronted an employee and demanded money, forcing them to open the safe. Johnson then fled the scene with several thousand dollars in cash. Fortunately, the employee was unharmed during the harrowing encounter. His younger brother, Deon Johnson, 26, played a critical role in the scheme, waiting outside in a getaway vehicle to facilitate their escape.

The brothers’ freedom was short-lived, thanks to the swift actions of the Conroe Police Department. Shortly after the robbery was reported, Conroe Police Department Sgt. Ed Trice spotted a vehicle on South Loop 336 that precisely matched the description provided by the victim. Sgt. Trice initiated a traffic stop, where he found Demarcus Johnson behind the wheel and Deon Johnson in the passenger seat. During the stop, officers discovered a significant amount of the stolen cash, the handgun believed to have been used in the robbery, and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Both brothers were positively identified by the shaken employee and further confirmed through their booking photos, leading to their immediate arrest.

The sentencing phase concluded this week under the gavel of Judge Phil Grant in the 9th state District Court. Demarcus Johnson received his 40-year sentence on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, following his trial. His brother, Deon Johnson, was sentenced to an identical term on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, after his own separate trial. Both brothers were found guilty of first-degree felony aggravated robbery.

Assistant District Attorney Laura Bond, who prosecuted the case for Montgomery County, highlighted the thorough investigation and the impact of the defendants’ past actions on the sentencing. “This was a brazen and violent act that put an innocent employee and the public at risk,” Bond stated. “The evidence presented, including the victim’s immediate identification and the recovery of the weapon and stolen money, was overwhelming. These sentences reflect the serious nature of the crime and are further enhanced by the defendants’ extensive criminal histories, which included a prior aggravated robbery conviction in Harris County and other offenses. Under Texas law, such prior convictions can significantly increase the sentencing range for subsequent felony offenses.”

Conroe Police Chief Jeff Christy commended Sgt. Trice and the entire department for their rapid response and effective police work in apprehending the suspects. “Sgt. Trice’s keen observation skills and quick thinking were instrumental in bringing these individuals to justice so swiftly,” Chief Christy remarked. “Our officers are dedicated to protecting our community, and this case is a prime example of their commitment to apprehending dangerous criminals and ensuring the safety of our businesses and residents.”

The 40-year sentences mean that both Demarcus and Deon Johnson will be required to serve a minimum of 20 years in state prison before they become eligible for parole. This lengthy incarceration period aims to send a strong message regarding the consequences of violent crime in Montgomery County, providing a measure of justice for the victim and reinforcing the commitment of local law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office to prosecuting violent offenders to the fullest extent of the law.