Five Salt Lake men are facing federal racketeering charges in connection with a string of 15 armed robberies late last year and earlier this year.
A grand jury handed up a 30-count indictment last week accusing the five men of violating the so-called Hobbs Act by interfering with commerce by threats or violence. They were also charged with firearms violations, credit union robbery and other crimes.According to the indictment, the five men were armed with a double-barrel shotgun and other weapons when they hit convenience stores, restaurants, credit unions and other establishments. Striking as frequently as four times in one day, they allegedly stole more than $11,000 during the three-month crime spree.
Named in the indictment were Cesar Figueroa, 22; Jose Antonio Delgado, 31; Jose De Jesus Larios, 27; Miguel Angel Mayoral, 26; and Julio Larios-Lepe, 19. All but Figueroa were arrested earlier this month and arraigned last week before U.S. Magistrate Ronald N. Boyce. The four defendants pleaded not guilty and were ordered to stand trial May 17.
The grand jury linked the defendants to armed robberies at Video One, 484 S. 900 West, on Nov. 27; Marisa's Fashions, 67 W. 1700 South, Nov. 30; Sunflower Fashions, 878 W. 200 North, Dec. 26; 99 Cent Store, 910 W. 1000 North, also on Dec. 26; ABC Market, 166 E. First Ave., Jan. 9; M&M Market, 701 N. 300 West, Jan. 10; I Street Market, 39 N. I St., Jan. 12; Blue Sky Market, 202 S. 900 East, Jan. 15; Health Care Credit Union, 769 E. South Temple, Jan. 15; Molca Salsa Restaurant, 2901 E. 3300 South, Jan. 31; Metrowest Credit Union, 1715 W. 700 North, Feb. 4; The Grocery Store, 400 E. 1224 South, also on Feb. 4; Red Hanger Dry Cleaners, 2340 E. 4500 South, also on Feb. 4; Training Table Restaurant, 809 E. 400 South, also on Feb. 4; and Dee's Restaurant, 7203 S. State, Feb. 7.