CLEARFIELD – A Hyde man has been sentenced to state prison for robbing Domino’s Pizza in April, announced Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. today.
Shaw identified the defendant as William Lee Rauch, 35, of Clarendon Avenue, Hyde. On April 5, Officer Ralph Nedza of the Clearfield Borough police charged Rauch with robbery, terroristic threats, simple assault, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and harassment.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on April 4, police responded to Domino’s Pizza for a robbery that had just occurred there. Officers from the Clearfield Borough police immediately responded to the scene. Upon investigation it was found that Rauch had entered the Domino’s Pizza store wearing a mask over his face and brandishing a knife. Rauch then demanded that store employees open the cash drawer. After the cash drawer was opened, Rauch took the money from inside and fled the scene.
Officers from the Lawrence Township Police Department assisted in the investigation and started a search of the area near the Domino’s Pizza store. Officers located Rauch in the area of Leavy Avenue, and he was found to be in possession of a large amount of U.S. currency. Rauch was also wearing clothing that matched the description given by witnesses at Domino’s Pizza. A subsequent search of the area resulted in finding other clothing worn by Rauch when he entered the Domino’s Pizza store, as well as the knife he used to threaten the store employees.
A jury trial was held from Oct. 16-18, and Rauch was found guilty of the charges. On Friday, Clearfield County President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman sentenced Rauch to a minimum of eight years and a maximum of 16 years of incarceration in the state prison system.
Following the sentencing, Shaw stated that he was extremely satisfied with the sentence imposed by Ammerman. Shaw further noted that the successful investigation and prosecution of this case serves as an example of what dedicated law enforcement partners can accomplish when working together to combat violent crimes in Clearfield County.
Shaw explained that this type of dangerous criminal activity will absolutely not be tolerated in Clearfield County and that continued efforts will be made to identify and prosecute criminals responsible for this type of behavior. Shaw commended the cooperative investigation by the Clearfield Borough and Lawrence Township police departments.
Anyone with knowledge of a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”