Repetitious Armed Robber Sentenced to 107 Years and One Day in Prison

PHILADELPHIA—Harold Sidney Brunson, 36, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 107 years and one day in prison for a series of armed robberies in Northeast Philadelphia committed between August 2006 and April 2007, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Brunson was convicted, at two separate trials, of robbing Galaxy Pizza on August 19, 2006; The Ashton Pub on September 4, 2006; Vince’s Service Center on April 13, 2007; Bill’s Family Pizza on April 15, 2007; and Alfred’s Beverage Corporation on April 19, 2007. For each robbery, Brunson was convicted of Hobbs Act robbery and corresponding counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The 107-year prison sentence is a mandatory minimum sentence.

During the gunpoint robberies, Brunson forced employees and customers on the floor, emptied their pockets, and stole the cash receipts of the business from the cash registers and boxes. In some instances, Brunson forced his victims into a rear area of the business, and in the case of Bill’s Family Pizza, he ordered the employees into the restaurant’s walk‑in refrigerator, before fleeing.

The sentencing hearing was presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.