They identified Edward Gene W. Richards as the perpetrator after reviewing the security camera footage of the store.
The robbery took place on Oct. 31, 2020 around 7 p.m., and the items stolen were a carton of Marlboro cigarettes worth $77 and about $800 cash, the store cashier told police.
She also told police that she knew Richards as he was a frequent customer of the store.
Police officers later went to Richards’ house in Koblerville and met and advised his family about the robbery. His family members were asked to call the police when he returned home.
The next day, Nov. 1, Richards’ sister called the police and said that he had returned home and wanted to surrender.
While in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Richards admitted that he was armed with a machete and a knife when he robbed JJ Market. He also said that he was still wearing the same clothes he used during the robbery.
At a bail hearing on Nov. 2, 2020, Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho imposed a $5,000 cash bail on Richards who was ordered to return to court on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. for preliminary hearing and on Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. for arraignment.
The Office of the Public Defender was appointed to represent Richards while Assistant Attorney General Heather Barcinas appeared for the government.
