By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
HART — One of two Shelby men who robbed the La Mexicana De Pancho grocery store at gunpoint last December was sentenced to three and a half to 25 years in prison in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, June 9.
Vargas-Mares
Miguel Angel Vargas-Mares, 23, of Shelby pleaded “no contest” to armed robbery, April 28.
The sentencing hearing for Vargas-Mares’ co-defendant, 38-year-old Jorge Soriano Benitez of Shelby, was delayed due to his request for a new attorney. “Mr. Benitez has asked for a new lawyer,” said Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon. “That lawyer, — when appointed — will have 30 days to file any motions they choose to file. If no motions are filed, the sentencing will be reset.”
Tim Hayes was initially appointed as Benitiez’s attorney, and now Ryan Good has been assigned to the case, according to court records.
Benitez, who remains lodged in the Oceana County Jail on $500,000 cash/surety bond, also pleaded “no contest” to armed robbery, April 28.
A charge of felony firearms was dismissed for both defendants. The robbery occurred at the store located at 2361 North Oceana
Benitez
Drive in Hart Township.
“The weapon used was a pistol,” Bizon said.
A man suffered minor injuries during the robbery, Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast said previously. “One victim received some facial abrasions when he was assaulted. There was a very brief struggle. The weapon used was displayed and threatened prominently.”
A total of $565 was recovered from the defendants following the robbery, said Bizon.
Vargas-Mares received credit for 178 days served in jail.
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