Bernalillo man faces robbery charges

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Kellam Nichols, 36, of Bernalillo, New Mexico, was charged in federal court on Dec. 10 with Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery. Nichols will remain in custody pending trial.

              According to a criminal complaint, on Dec. 5, 2017, Nichols allegedly entered a KFC restaurant, demanded money and threatened an employee. Nichols allegedly took money from the register and fled in a blue, two-door car.

              Three days later, Nichols allegedly entered a Starbucks, walked behind the counter and grabbed an employee from behind. The startled employee screamed, attracting the attention of another employee, and Nichols allegedly fled the store in a blue, two-door car. Nichols then allegedly proceeded to and entered a Walgreens Pharmacy in the same shopping center. Nichols reportedly jumped the counter and demanded money. Nichols then allegedly left the store with money from the register.

              An officer located Nichols’ vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Nichols allegedly fled at a high rate of speed before crashing into a vehicle stopped at an intersection.

              A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Nichols faces up to 20 years in prison.

              The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case in conjunction with the Bernalillo Police Department and the Santa Ana Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is prosecuting the case.