Wichita Man Charged With Three Robberies

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was charged in federal court today with robbing three commercial businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Willie Smith, 38, Wichita, Kan., is charged with three counts of robbery. Documents filed in court allege that Smith:

• Robbed the Express Mart convenience store at 565 S. Market in Wichita on Oct. 14. A clerk said the robber lifted up his shirt to reveal the handle of a gun.
• Robbed Peter’s Liquor store at 332 W. Harry on Oct. 15. A clerk said the robber pulled out a gun and said, “Give me the money.”
• Robbed a Quick Trip store at 1532 S. Seneca on Oct. 16. A clerk said the robber displayed a handgun and demanded money.

According to an affidavit filed in the case, investigators found Smith’s fingerprints at the Express Mart and the Quick Trip. Investigators did not find a gun.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.