Boston Man Convicted In Armed Robbery

BOSTON – Following a five-day trial, a federal jury today convicted a Boston man for his role in the armed robbery of a Dorchester MetroPCS retail store in 2011.

Ronald E. Brown, 40, was convicted of armed robbery, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2013. On the armed robbery charge, Brown faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine; for carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, he faces a statutory minimum penalty of 15 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine; and for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm, he faces a statutory minimum penalty of 15 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

On the morning of Oct. 31, 2011, Brown and his co-conspirator, Lynch Arthur, entered the MetroPCS retail store on Washington Street in Dorchester. Brown distracted the clerk and Arthur walked around the counter, brandishing a semi-automatic pistol. The two then forced the salesperson into the backroom and demanded the store’s cash after arming themselves with semi-automatic pistols. The men then used duct tape to tie up the clerk, removed all cash from the store, and fled the scene. A short time later the two men were encountered by Boston Police officers on Kenwood Street. During questioning officers observed clothing, reportedly worn by the robbers scattered on the sidewalk. The officers did a sweep and discovered the firearms, duct tape, and cash consistent with the amount stolen in a blue recycle bin a few yards from the scene of the encounter. The two were then brought back to the store and positively identified by the clerk.

In March 2013, Arthur pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Eugenio A. Marquez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine and Robert M. Richardson of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.