Purple pistol bandit pleads for prison

A Beaumont man was sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston May 13.

Derrick Rashard Gloude, 24, pleaded guilty on Sep. 23, 2021, to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to a total of 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.

“If you carry or use a gun and commit a felony crime, we will seek the highest punishment we can on you,” said Featherston. “Violent crime, especially those crimes where a firearm is used, is at the top of our priority list. We, and our state, local and federal law enforcement partners will work tirelessly together to protect our community by arresting and prosecuting violent offenders.”

According to court documents, from Nov. 9, 2020 through Nov. 16, 2020, Gloude robbed six businesses and attempted to rob another in Beaumont. The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce. In each of the robberies, Gloude brandished a purple pistol and pointed it at the clerks when demanding money.

After receiving a Crime Stoppers tip, investigators were able to develop Gloude as a suspect. A review of Gloude’s public Facebook page showed photos of Gloude wearing clothes matching the clothing reported by the clerks in each store. Additionally, Gloude’s Facebook showed pictures of him brandishing a purple handgun and flashing fans of cash. The pistol was recovered after Gloude’s arrest and determined to have been reported stolen in Beaumont.

“This is just another great example of how we can be more effective in law enforcement when we work together,” said Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary. “Our relationships with our federal partners are so valuable in larger investigations like this to put our criminals away for an extended length of time. We certainly cherish these relationships.”