WASHINGTON – A D.C. man was sentenced to 24 years Tuesday for robberies in Gallery Place and Chinatown.

A jury convicted Winston Jackson, 50, of 23 charges of robbery, theft and credit card fraud in seven incidents between Sept. 15, 2011 and Jan. 24, 2012.

The incidents took place in Gallery Place and Chinatown bars, restaurants and cafes.

Jackson often targeted young women and stole their wallet or purse, police say. He would walk into an establishment and claim he was meeting family or friends.

Police say he would then request a large table and sit in a position nearest to his target. He used a jacket or bag to conceal his actions from his victims who were often engaged in conversations or distracted by their meal.

After the thefts, Jackson purchased multiple $20 Metro fare cards from the Gallery Place Metro station or 10 movie tickets from the Regal Gallery Place movie theater.

The purchases were made on multiple credit cards and caused thousands of dollars of financial damage, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

Jackson was arrested in January. Two managers of different restaurants were able to identify Jackson from surveillance footage and photos.

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