Hector Munoz, Attempted Drug Robbery, Maine 2016

Bangor, Maine authorities have apprehended a New York City man for his role in a brazen attempted robbery. Hector Munoz, 52, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Bangor to conspiring and attempting to interfere with commerce by robbery, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.

According to court records, in July 2016, Munoz and others developed a plan to commit a robbery in Rangeley and steal controlled substances from a residence in the town. On July 28, 2016, Munoz and an unnamed conspirator entered the residence intending to take the controlled substances by using actual and threatened force, violence and fear of injury. Munoz and his conspirator were armed with knives and a baseball bat at the time of the attempted robbery.

The U.S. government has charged Munoz with two counts: conspiring and attempting to interfere with commerce by robbery. Munoz faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the two charges.

Munoz will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. The outcome of the case remains uncertain at this time.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the case include the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine State Police; and the Rangeley Police Department, with assistance provided by the Maine Office of the Attorney General.

The attempted robbery highlights the dangers of organized crime and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat it. In this case, the alleged perpetrators sought to exploit the vulnerability of a residence in Rangeley. Fortunately, law enforcement agencies were able to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice.

The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent and investigate crimes. The U.S. government will continue to prioritize the prosecution of individuals who engage in violent and drug-related crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/new-york-man-pleads-guilty-role-attempted-drug-robbery