A brazen daylight robbery in Topeka has led to a guilty plea from one of its perpetrators. Ernesto Negrete Jr., 30, of Topeka, pleaded guilty to driving a getaway car in two robberies in the city.
The robberies occurred at Panderia Monterrey Bakery, 3154 S.E. 6th Avenue, and Pablanos Grille, 3035 S.E. 6th Avenue, both on the same street and in close proximity to one another. In both cases, masked co-defendants Javier Martinez and Victor Arellano entered the stores brandishing handguns, while Negrete waited outside with the getaway car.
Negrete’s sentencing is set for October 27, and he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. The severity of the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes, which put innocent lives at risk.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, who commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case. Their dedication and expertise helped bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that the community is safer.
The investigation into the robberies was a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of cooperation in tackling crime. The successful prosecution of Negrete is a testament to the effectiveness of this partnership.
As the city of Topeka continues to recover from the shock of these robberies, the guilty plea serves as a reminder that justice will be served. The community can rest assured that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable for their actions.
With the guilty plea, the city takes a step closer to healing and moving forward. The people of Topeka deserve to feel safe in their community, and this conviction brings us one step closer to achieving that goal.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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