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Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsFifth Suspect Arrested in McDonald’s Robbery

Fifth Suspect Arrested in McDonald’s Robbery

Troy Titley, 36 of St. Thomas, made his initial appearance Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged by indictment in the March 25 robbery and police standoff at the Lockhart Shopping Center McDonald’s.

Titley was charged with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy to possess a firearm during a crime of violence, acting U.S. Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Titley, who was detained pending a detention hearing on May 22, 2017, also has been charged under Virgin Islands law with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in a public housing zone.

The Hobbs Act is a federal statute that prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce “in any way or degree.”

Four other men charged in the McDonald’s robbery made their initial appearances before Miller on April 26. The four men are Hanselo Recio, Betel Paulino, Junior Feliz and Helwood Paris.

If convicted, Titley faces up to 20 years in prison on the Hobbs Act robbery and local robbery charges; a mandatory 10 year consecutive sentence for the federal possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and 15 and 30 year sentences on the territorial firearm charges.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and VIPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo- Sprotte.

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