Anchorage, Alaska – A local man has been sentenced to 126 months in prison for his role in an armed robbery that left several people shaken.
Miguel J. Batista, 28, previously pled guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and to brandishing and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. As part of his guilty plea, Batista admitted to stealing nine assault rifles from the Eagle River Walmart and using one of them to rob Party Time Liquor Store in Anchorage.
According to court documents, Batista pointed the assault rifle at several people inside the store and made a cashier give him the money from the registers. He then went around to the back of the building and pointed the gun at another employee, making the employee hand over their cell phone and car keys before driving away in the employee’s car.
The government noted during the sentencing hearing that Batista had a significant impact on the community, unleashing a number of assault rifles, stealing from businesses, and terrifying six individuals by pointing his assault rifle at them.
U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline stated that Batista had made his own problems the problems of this community. He also noted the terrible impact that Batista had on the life of the cashier by robbing her at gunpoint.
Judge Beistline emphasized the need for people like Batista, who is an admitted drug user, to get treatment for their addiction. He also commended the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD), who investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler commended the partnership between the Municipality of Anchorage and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address drug and violent crime issues within the city.
Related Federal Cases
- Anchorage Bank Robber Gets 5 Years · Alaska
- Anchorage Bank Robber Surrells Gets Nine Years · Alaska
- Tyler Bateman Arrested for Threatening to Shoot, Bomb Anchorage Targets · Alaska
- Fairbanks Man Gets 12 Years for Stalking, Murder-for-Hire Plot · Alaska
- U.P. Dad Gets Life for Baby Carter’s Brutal Murder · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
