HARRISBURG, PA—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Silas Lee Sneed, age 25, of Chicago, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg. The indictment charges Sneed with three counts of robbery and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Sneed are a result of allegations that Sneed robbed a retail establishment in Harrisburg and attempted to rob two others during the evening of May 7, 2015. At each store, Sneed allegedly threatened the employees with a firearm. Sneed was taken into custody by Harrisburg Police early the following morning.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.