A federal jury convicted three men Tuesday in connection with a series of armed robberies that targeted bars, liquor stores, and other businesses across Chicago between August 2023 and May 2024. Jordan Fox, 26, Ardaries Harris, 28, and his brother Xavier Harris, 27, were found guilty of conspiracy, robbery, and firearm offenses involving the use of firearms, including one converted to function as a fully automatic weapon.

According to prosecutors, the robbery crew operated with masked gunmen who entered establishments at gunpoint, often assaulting customers and employees. The majority of the incidents involved two to four individuals, with the robbers wearing gloves and layered clothing to obscure their identities. Jordan Fox was alleged to have brandished a Glock pistol modified to fire automatically during several of the heists, including a May 2024 attempt to rob the Irish Nobleman Pub on Chicago’s Near West Side.

During that incident, Fox reportedly pointed the converted machine gun at patrons, staff, and the business owner, ordering them to comply. When the owner ran to call 911, Fox fired at him but missed before the crew fled without taking any money. Three days later, they struck three additional locations in Chicago at gunpoint, beating and pistol-whipping victims while stealing cash and cell phones. Prosecutors presented a video showing the group counting their stolen cash and celebrating with a bottle of tequila.

Federal authorities believe the three men participated in at least 14 similar robberies, many involving comparable tactics and firearms. Court records indicate the crime spree covered multiple Chicago neighborhoods, including Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Back of the Yards, and West Rogers Park. One of the earliest noted robberies occurred in August 2023 at Ace’s Liquor and Tap.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and highlighted the use of devices that convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons, which can fire numerous rounds rapidly with a single trigger pull. Such weapons carry mandatory minimum prison sentences of 30 years when used in violent crimes.

Prosecutors said Fox discharged the converted machine gun during the Irish Nobleman Pub robbery and that Ardaries Harris assisted in the firing. The three defendants now face potential life sentences. A fourth individual, Roosevelt Veal, associated with the crew, is pending separate trial proceedings, while a fifth member was killed in a shooting prior to arrests.

In several robberies documented in court filings, Fox used a stolen gun converted to fully automatic fire, including one attack at Humboldt Haus Liquor, where he shot the store manager in the hand before fleeing after the manager returned fire. Surveillance also captured the crew threatening victims and demanding money, at times brandishing guns and issuing threats to kill.

The crime spree ended after Fox was wounded in the shoulder during an attempted robbery two days following the Irish Nobleman Pub incident. After being treated at a hospital, Fox posted a selfie from his hospital bed on social media, referencing his criminal activities and survival.

Fox’s and the Harris brothers’ defense attorneys declined to comment on the convictions. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros emphasized the office’s commitment to prosecuting the use of these illegal machine gun conversion devices, citing their dangerous proliferation in Chicago. ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon credited the investigation’s success to extensive law enforcement collaboration and stated the verdict underscores accountability for violent offenders.