MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The U.S. attorney in Memphis says four men have been convicted and sentenced for armed robberies targeting businesses owned by Hispanics.
U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton of the Western District of Tennessee said Monday that the men were sentenced in June, July and August to federal prison terms ranging from nine to 18 years without parole.
Tobey Becton and Orel Chapa were convicted of robbing a grocery store on Dec. 10, 2009, forcing employees and customers to the ground at gunpoint before robbing the cash register.
Becton and Chapa, along with David Cuadrado and Mark Ellis, robbed a western clothing store six days later. The men stole cash and merchandise, then escaped in the business owner's truck.
The men also must pay about $120,000 in restitution to the business owners.