The Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's office has successfully secured significant sentences in two separate aggravated robbery cases, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring justice and community safety.
On July 18, 2024, Roger Zamora, 41, was convicted of the aggravated robbery of a 65-year-old woman following a trial in the 227th Impact District Court. The jury assessed a 42-year sentence, which Zamora will serve in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Zamora, a repeat offender with prior convictions for burglary and assault, targeted the victim at a local charity donation station. He threatened her with a firearm, stole her vehicle, and used her credit cards at various businesses in San Antonio.
"This prison sentence reassures the community and reinstates a sense of security for the victim," stated Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales. "Roger Zamora exploited the victim's generosity, viewing it as an opportunity for criminal activity."
In another case, Taforrest Chandler was convicted of the aggravated robbery of bank employees following a trial in the 399th District Court. The jury sentenced Chandler to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On May 13, 2022, Chandler held the bank manager and four employees at gunpoint and demanded cash. The entire robbery was captured on surveillance video.
Outstanding investigation by the San Antonio Police Department, where they collected several key pieces of evidence, including DNA samples, surveillance footage, and 911 call recordings, led to the arrest of Taforrest Chandler.
"Taforrest Chandler's actions showed a blatant disregard for the safety and security of our community," stated Gonzales. "The jury's decision stresses the seriousness of his crime and serves as a reminder that such acts of violence will not be tolerated."
Both cases were prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's office. Roger Zamora's trial was led by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Virgil Yanta and Nicholas Mahrou, with support from Investigator Bruce Hallonquist, paralegal Laura Guevara, and Crime Victims' Advocate Rebecca Garza. Taforrest Chandler's prosecution was led by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jordan Brown and Melissa Rust, with support from Investigator Roland Land, Crime Victims' Advocate Pauline Lopez, and legal intern Jeff Young.