Teens in Custody After Aggravated Robbery Twice at Same Location
In what was originally believed to be the actions of adults, the aggravated robbery of the same location twice within two weeks has resulted in police taking three teens into custody. Two of the teens were booked into a juvenile detention facility, and prosecutors are seeking robbery charges in juvenile court for the third.
The Smoking BB Gun
According to a report from KSL News, the first incident at Smoke Shop 101 occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 27. West Jordan Police Sgt. Dan Roberts was quoted as saying that the perpetrators displayed and threatened the shop employee with what appeared to be a gun, potentially making it aggravated robbery.
The second incident occurred less than two weeks later on Saturday, Feb. 7. Police were concerned at this point that they were dealing with adults involved in a larger aggravated robbery spree. However, after an anonymous tip from a “concerned citizen,” three teenage boys—ages 13, 14, and 16 years old—were taken into custody.
The youngest and oldest of the three boys were booked into a juvenile detention facility. Sgt. Roberts said that prosecutors were seeking robbery charges against the 14-year-old in juvenile court. However, the article didn’t state if they were seeking specifically aggravated robbery charges. The “gun” was ultimately discovered to be a BB gun.
Both Robbery and Aggravated Robbery are Felonies
According to the Utah Criminal Code, both robbery and aggravated robbery are considered felonies when committed by an adult. Robbery is a second degree felony. However, aggravated robbery is a first degree felony, punishable by five years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Again, if committed by an adult.
According to the specific Utah Criminal Code 76-6-302, aggravated robbery has occurred if a person “uses or threatens to use a dangerous weapon as defined in Section 76-1-601,” which includes “a facsimile or representation of the item.” It remains to be seen whether a BB gun falls into this category, even though the article on KSL speculated to this extent.
Felony charges are very serious when it comes to juveniles. Under certain circumstances, a juvenile can be tried for a felony in adult court. If your child has been charged with aggravated robbery or any other charge, be sure to contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney who will work on your child’s behalf.
