Topeka Man Pleads Guilty in Armed Robberies

 TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty today to armed robberies at two Topeka businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Victor Alberto Arellano, 22, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during the armed robberies.

In his plea, Arellano admitted that on Aug. 28, 2019, he and co-defendant Javier Martinez robbed the Panderia Monterrey Bakery at 3145 S.E. 6^th Avenue and on Aug. 29, 2019, he and Javier Martinez robbed Poblanos Grille at 3935 S.E. 6^th Avenue. In both cases, Arellano and Javier Martinez held employees at gunpoint. Another co-defendant waited in the car to make a getaway.

Arellano’s sentencing is set for Nov. 24. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each robbery count and not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of brandishing a weapon, to be served consecutively to the robbery counts and consecutively to each other.

Co-defendant Ernesto Negrete Jr. is set for sentencing Oct. 27. Co-defendant Javier Angel Martinez is awaiting trial.

McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.