Peter Christopher Nunn, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Minnesota 2013

A brazen duo of robberies rocked the Twin Cities in early January, but one of the culprits has finally faced justice. Peter Christopher Nunn, a 42-year-old Fridley man, pleaded guilty to robbing two shoe stores in the metropolitan area.

Nunn was charged with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, pursuant to the Hobbs Act, a federal law that allows prosecutors to bring charges against violent habitual criminals who commit armed robberies in places of business that involve interstate commerce.

According to court documents, Nunn's first heist occurred on January 5, 2013, when he entered the Payless ShoeSource store located at 8510 Springbrook Drive in Coon Rapids. The defendant stole approximately $300 from the store while threatening employees with a BB gun.

Nunn's second robbery took place on January 7, 2013, at the Famous Footwear store in Shakopee. He made off with approximately $700 from the store in a similar manner. However, his high-speed getaway was short-lived, as police arrested Nunn following a chase.

Nunn's crimes carry a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. His sentence will be determined by Judge Patrick J. Schiltz at a future hearing.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Coon Rapids and Shakopee police departments, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst is prosecuting the case.

Nunn's plea agreement requires him to admit to the crimes as described. The agreement also notes that Nunn was indicted on February 5, 2013.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of the Hobbs Act in combating violent crime. The law was passed by Congress in 1946 and allows federal prosecutors to bring charges against habitual criminals who commit armed robberies in places of business that involve interstate commerce.

The outcome of Nunn's case will be closely watched by law enforcement and the community. It remains to be seen how Judge Schiltz will sentence Nunn, but one thing is certain - justice has been served.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/fridley-man-pleads-guilty-robbing-two-twin-cities-shoe-stores