Topeka Man Sentenced In Lawrence Armed Robbery

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 84 months in federal prison in connection with an armed robbery in Lawrence, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mario A. King, 35, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of armed robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on June 1, 2013, he used a .357 revolver to commit an armed robbery in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant at 4911 West 6th Street in Lawrence, Kan.

The victim met King and another man at the restaurant in order to sell them two pounds of synthetic marijuana. During the meeting, King drew the gun and pointed it at the victim. The victim fought with King for control of the gun. The victim eventually broke free and ran into the restaurant to get help. While he was inside, the marijuana and other items belonging to him were stolen.

Co-defendants are:
Justin Alcorn, 30, Topeka, who is awaiting sentencing.
Jesse J. Forbes, Jr., 39, Topeka, who is set for jury trial May 19.

Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.