Jared Stanley, 32, pleaded guilty on Friday, Oct. 11 to three counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Jacqueline Romero announced the guilty plea in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Prosecutors said Stanley committed three robberies over about two weeks in the city's Kensington section in January and February.
The first robbery happened at Birch Mini-Market on East Birch Street on Sunday, Jan. 21. Stanley approached the counter, pointed a gun at the cashier, and demanded money.
Stanley screamed at the cashier and pistol-whipped them in the head after the cashier said they didn't understand him. Stanley stole about $550 from the register and left the convenience store.
Stanley and an unidentified suspect committed another robbery at Capricorno Grocery on East Orleans Street on Sunday, Jan. 28. Stanley walked to the employee area of the store, pulled out a gun, and grabbed an employee by the shirt.
Investigators said Stanley pulled the employee away and pistol-whipped him while the other suspect stole about $500 from the register.
The third robbery happened at Bonifacios Grocery and Produce Store on Frankford Avenue on Friday, Feb. 2. Stanley and an unidentified suspect pushed a worker to the register, forced him to the ground, pistol-whipped him in the head, and stole about $500.
Stanley was facing between seven years and life in prison. He could also receive five years of supervised release, a $1,250,000 fine, and a $500 special assessment.
Sentencing was scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wyomissing and receive free news updates.