Alleged Pizza Shop Robber Charged

Stephen Easterling, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by Indictment with robbing a Philadelphia pizza shop on February 1, 2013. Easterling is charged with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of convicted felon in possession of firearm, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The defendant allegedly robbed the Little Caesars Pizza shop at 2501 Island Avenue in Philadelphia, PA.

If convicted, defendant faces a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of life, consecutive to any other sentence, five years of supervised release, a $750,000 fine, restitution, and a $300 special assessment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative designed to identify and prosecute firearms offenders in federal court, where the defendant is likely to receive a substantial sentence upon conviction.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ewald Zittlau.

Click here to view the indictment

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525