Victor Alberto Arellano, Armed Robbery, Kansas 2023

State: Kansas
Agency: DOJ USAO
Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/topeka-man-pleads-guilty-armed-robberies" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Official Source ↗

TOPEKA, KAN. — A chilling plea has been entered by Victor Alberto Arellano, a 22-year-old Topeka resident, who admitted to pulling the trigger in two violent armed robberies that left local businesses and employees trembling.

In a courtroom revelation, Arellano faced the music for his heists at Panderia Monterrey Bakery and Poblanos Grille. On Aug. 28, 2019, Arellano, alongside co-defendant Javier Martinez, held the bakery’s staff at gunpoint, while another accomplice watched from a getaway car. The next day, they struck again at the Poblanos Grille, terrorizing workers with firearms.

Today, in a grim affirmation of his guilt, Arellano pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during the incidents. His sentencing looms on Nov. 24, where he could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery charge and an additional seven years for brandishing, all fines totaling up to $250,000.

Arellano’s co-conspirators are also facing their own legal nightmares. Ernesto Negrete Jr., another defendant tied to the crime spree, is set for sentencing on Oct. 27. Javier Angel Martinez remains in the dock, awaiting his day in court.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister lauded the efforts of the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough in bringing justice to the victims. ‘This case serves as a stark reminder that violent crime will be met with swift and severe punishment,’ McAllister said, underscoring the gravity of Arellano’s actions.

The community of Topeka is now looking forward to some measure of closure as this chapter of terror comes to an end. For Arellano, the road ahead is clear: a life behind bars awaits him if he does not appeal his sentence.

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