Fridley Man Indicted In Connection With The Armed Robbery Of Two Twin Cities-area Shoe Stores

MINNEAPOLIS—Yesterday in federal court, a 41-year-old Fridley man was indicted in connection with the armed robbery of two Twin Cities-area shoe stores in early January. Peter Christopher Nunn was charged with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, pursuant to the Hobbs Act.

The indictment alleges that on January 5, 2013, Nunn stole approximately $300 from the Payless ShoeSource store, located at 8510 Springbrook Drive in Coon Rapids while threatening employees with a weapon, later determined to be a BB gun. It also alleges that on January 7, 2013, Nunn stole approximately $700 from the Famous Footwear store located at 1593 E. 17th Avenue in Shakopee in the same manner.

As stated, Nunn was charged in federal court under the Hobbs Act, which was passed by Congress in1946. The Act allows federal prosecutors to prosecute violent habitual criminals who commit armed robberies in places of business that involve interstate commerce. Federal prosecution of these cases is sometimes beneficial since federal penalties are often tougher than those imposed under state law. Moreover, because the federal system has no parole, those who receive federal sentences serve virtually their entire prison terms behind bars.

If convicted, Nunn faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by the police departments of Coon Rapids and Shakopee, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.