Chester Man Indicted for His Involvement in the Robbery of Murphy’s Jewelry Store in Pottsville
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 07, 2010 |
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg returned an indictment yesterday charging a Chester, Pennsylvania man with conspiracy, robbery, and brandishing a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Thomas Brown, age 29, was charged following his involvement in the armed robbery of Murphy’s Jewelry Store in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. It is alleged that as part of the conspiracy, Brown and three unindicted co-conspirators, conducted surveillance on the jewelry store in preparation for the robbery. They acquired gloves and masks for use during the robbery and Brown directed a co-conspirator to rent a vehicle in her name for use in the armed robbery. It is also alleged that as part of the conspiracy, Brown and the co-conspirators planned to rob the jewelry store, leave Pottsville, abandon the rental vehicle and divide the proceeds from the robbery.
Co-defendant Balir Akeem Starkey pled guilty to armed robbery in August. Sentencing is scheduled for November 29, 2010.
If convicted, Brown faces up to 35 years’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prosecution is bring handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gordon A. Zubrod.