A Montgomery man pleaded guilty in a federal case involving the robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business.
Zedekiah Sykes, 58, faces up to 20 years in prison for his involvement in the March 10 robbery. He pleaded guilty to the Hobbs Act, which prohibits robbery and extortion that affects interstate commerce.
Prosecutors said Sykes forced his way into Jim Massey's Cleaners with three accomplices. They confronted the owner and forced him to open a safe.
Using what appeared to be a handgun and was later determined to be a BB gun, they demanded that he hand over $8,000 in cash. The victim was assaulted and restrained by zip ties. The group also stole the man’s cell phone and car keys before fleeing the scene in the victim’s car.
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson said a sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months.
Another suspect, Spencer Thomas, 57, of Prattville, has also been indicted for his involvement in the robbery. Thomas is considered innocent until proven guilty.
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