CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced that a Clearfield County man has been sentenced to state prison for robbery and criminal attempt to commit robbery.
Shaw identified the defendant as Charles R. Snyder, Jr., age 33, of Spring Street, Houtzdale, Pennsylvania. Currently, Snyder is housed in the Clearfield County Jail pending transfer to the State Prison System.Â
A criminal complaint filed by Trooper Mary McGinnis of the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield Barracks, charged Snyder with: 1) robbery, F1, 2 counts; 2) criminal attempt to commit robbery, F1; 3) robbery, F2, 2 counts; 4) theft by unlawful taking or disposition, M2; 5) receiving stolen property, M2.
An affidavit of probable Ccause filed with the complaint provides that on June 1, 2011, the Pennsylvania State Police were dispatched to two armed robberies that occurred at the Snappy’s and Fuel On convenience stores in Houtzdale Borough. Upon investigation it was found that Snyder first entered the Snappy’s convenience store displaying a knife and said to the clerk, “I’m going to stab you, give me all your money.” Snyder next entered the Fuel On and was again carrying a knife, and demanded that the clerk give him money and to open the safe. Snyder obtained $150.00 in U.S. currency.
On Aug. 4, 2011, Snyder tendered a plea of guilt to the charges. The Honorable Paul E. Cherry sentenced Snyder to a minimum of 22 months and a maximum of 10 years incarceration in the State Prison System.
Shaw stated that he was pleased with Cherry’s sentence, and that the sentence imposed by Cherry sends a strong message that this type of conduct, especially where the lives of citizens are threatened, will not be tolerated in Clearfield County. Shaw emphasized that all possible efforts will be made continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute these types of crimes. Shaw also reported that he was pleased with the investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police in this case.