United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced an over 14-year sentence for Joshua Altruz for committing two armed robberies within hours of each other.
"This defendant brazenly robbed two neighborhood businesses, and for that he will now spend over fourteen years in prison," said U.S. Attorney Williams.
Williams announced that Joshua Obed Altruz, 26, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was sentenced to 14 years and one month in prison and five years of supervised release.
"Hopefully others will learn from the example set here — if you rob a business in our district with a firearm, you are going to face serious federal prison time as a result," Williams said.
Joshua Obed Altruz was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and restitution by United States District Judge Edward G. Smith for committing two armed robberies on Feb. 6, 2020. He robbed Taylor Family Mini Mart on Stefko Boulevard and the Rite Aid pharmacy at 104 E. Third St.
In July 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
