Monroe Bell of Grassflat was charged by the Philipsburg-based state police Thursday for the Mini Mart and Tobacco Outlet robberies that occurred in October and December, respectively. Co-defendant Jason McGonigal, also of Grassflat, was charged for his role in the latter case.
In the Mini Mart robbery, Bell allegedly entered the store and brandished a BB gun. However, a bystander knocked the BB gun from his hand. Bell allegedly got away with $350 in cash and cigarettes.
In December, Bell allegedly entered the Tobacco Outlet armed with a knife. McGonigal has been accused of conspiring with Bell in this incident. Bell and McGonigal allegedly got away with $900 worth of cash and cigarettes.
State police said that Bell has turned over his clothing from the dates of the alleged robberies. His clothing matched that observed on surveillance video.
Bell and McGonigal are incarcerated in lieu of $100,000 bail.