From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced the indictment of a man in connection to four armed robberies.
Eric Tyree Blanding, 46, of Ensley, was indicted on four counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, three counts of carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Prosecutors said Blanding is accused of robbing three different Family Dollar stores in May and June of 2019.
The Hobbs Act prohibits the obstruction of commerce by robbery and carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence carries a mandatory penalty of not less than 7 years in prison. Being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.