PHILADELPHIA, PA – Rubiel Perez, 30, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to multiple charges stemming from an armed robbery spree that took place in Lehigh County in March 2023. The plea was entered before United States District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl in a federal courtroom.
Perez admitted to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges are tied to three incidents targeting convenience stores over two consecutive nights.
According to court records, on the evening of March 28, 2023, Perez entered a 7-Eleven store on Union Boulevard in Allentown. Armed with a handgun, he threatened a store employee and stole $937 before fleeing the scene. The following night, Perez struck again, targeting a 7-Eleven on South 4th Street in Allentown. During this second robbery, he brandished a firearm, threatened an employee, and absconded with $150. Later the same night, Perez attempted to rob a third 7-Eleven on West Tilghman Street in South Whitehall Township, once again using a firearm to intimidate a store employee, although no money was ultimately taken during that attempt.
Perez now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for July 10.
The investigation, conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in collaboration with the Allentown Police Department and South Whitehall Township Police Department, was key in bringing Perez to justice. Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Schopf is prosecuting the case.
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