An Allentown man has pleaded guilty to a series of armed robberies that targeted Lehigh County convenience stores last year. Rubiel Perez, 30, admitted to his crimes in front of U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl. According to a U.S. Department of Justice release, Perez could face life in prison for his March 2023 robbery spree, with sentencing scheduled for July 10.
Perez, indicted in November 2023, began his robbery spree by robbing a 7-Eleven on Union Boulevard in Allentown, where he threatened an employee with a handgun and stole $937. The following night, Perez targeted another 7-Eleven and threatened an employee for $150. Later that same night, he attempted another robbery at a 7-Eleven on West Tilghman Street in South Whitehall Township, but was met with resistance.
The prosecution of the case is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Schopf. Perez faces two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He faces a minimum sentence of seven years, with a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with the Allentown Police Department and South Whitehall Township Police Department, ended Perez's robbery spree. The case highlights the serious consequences for those who use violence to commit crimes. Perez's guilty plea reflects the strength of the evidence gathered by law enforcement.
