DALLAS -- Texas A&M's all-time leading rusher will likely spend the next three decades in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges related to armed robberies, according to a report from KBTX.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says 45-year-old Darren Lewis, as part of his plea deal, agreed to spend between 25 and 30 years behind bars. The record-setting running back known as "Tank" pleaded guilty in May to charges related to the 2012-2013 robberies of three North Texas businesses.
According to documents filed in the case, Lewis entered a Hampton Inn and Suites in Desoto on Oct. 30, 2012, inquired about room rates, looked around the lobby, and then left the hotel. Immediately afterwards, his accomplice, Christopher Washington entered the lobby and requested a room. He then pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the desk clerk, and demanded cash. Fearing for her life, the clerk complied. Washington then left the hotel and got into a waiting Ford expedition, driven by Lewis.
On Nov. 6, 2012, Washington entered a La Quinta Inn in Cedar Hill, approached a desk clerk, displayed a shotgun, and while pointing it at the clerk, demanded money. The clerk complied and Washington left and got into a dark colored car, parked outside of the hotel lobby, driven by Lewis.
On Jan. 28, 2013, Lewis entered a 7-Eleven store in Dallas, grabbed a candy bar from a shelf and then pulled out a silver handgun, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money from the cash register. In fear for his life, the clerk complied. Lewis then fled the store and drove away in a maroon Ford Expedition.
Washington pleaded guilty Tuesday. He faces the same prison time. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 25.
Lewis rushed for 5,012 yards while at Texas A&M from 1987 to 1990 and led the Aggies in rushing for three straight seasons. He was drafted in 1991 by the Chicago Bears.
