News and Press Releases
Farmington man and Apple Valley woman indicted for armed Robbery of Americas Best Value Inn and Suites in Northfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS—Recently in federal court, a 27-year old Farmington man and 23-year old Apple Valley woman were indicted for the armed robbery of Americas Best Value Inn and Suites in Northfield. Eric Wade Forcier and Julie Ann Campana were charged with one count of interference with commerce by robbery pursuant to the Hobbs Act and one count of using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Forcier is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment was filed on December 3, 2012, and the defendants made their initial appearances in federal court yesterday.
According to the indictment, on October 29, 2012, Forcier and Campana robbed the Americas Best Value Inn and Suites at 1420 Riverview Drive in Northfield, Minnesota. Forcier and Campana allegedly used a .32-caliber pistol during this robbery and took approximately $100 in cash, coin, and three cordless telephones. Forcier was previously convicted in Dakota County of second-degree drug possession and possession of stolen property in 2008. In 2007, Forcier was convicted of fifth-degree drug possession and fleeing police in a motor vehicle.
If convicted, Forcier and Campana face a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on one count of Hobbs Act robbery and seven years on one count of use of a firearm during a violent felony. Forcier also faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. All sentences are ultimately determined by a federal district court judge.
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, provides federal jurisdiction for cases involving violent, habitual criminals who commit armed robbery in businesses involved in interstate commerce. Federal prosecution of these offenders is sometimes beneficial since the penalties may be tougher than under state law. To that end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its County Attorney partners are working together to ensure that violent offenders are effectively prosecuted, making our communities safer for all.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Brennan and Allen A. Slaughter.
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.
