Mitchell Ray Finley, Robbery Spree, Arizona 2016

State: Arizona
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/fresno-man-sentenced-70-months-robbery-spree" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

A brazen string of robberies in Tucson has finally led to justice for the victims. Mitchell Ray Finley, 50, of Fresno, Calif., was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a robbery spree that terrorized local businesses.

On May 28, 2016, Finley and three accomplices stormed a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in Tucson, making off with a diamond solitaire ring and assaulting a security guard. They then hit the Nordstrom department store in Scottsdale, stealing several designer handbags after threatening a store manager, and ended their spree at a Helzberg Diamond Outlet store in Glendale, where they pepper-sprayed employees and stole high-end watches.

The total financial loss for the victims exceeded $130,000. Finley’s co-defendant, Dwight Bivens, was previously sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to his role in the crimes.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, the Scottsdale Police Department, the Glendale Police Department, and the Fresno Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren G. LaBuff, Fred A. Cocio, and Rui Wang handled the prosecution, bringing Finley to justice for his crimes.

Finley’s sentence serves as a reminder that those who commit violent crimes will be held accountable for their actions. The victims of these robberies can finally find closure, and the community can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is committed to protecting the public and bringing perpetrators to justice. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/usao/az.

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