Cape man found guilty of 2017 armed robbery

CHARLESTON, Mo. — A Cape Girardeau, Mo., man has been found guilty of a 2017 robbery in Charleston.

According to Darren Cann, prosecuting attorney for Mississippi County, Gabriel Bland, 18, was found guilty of first degree robbery and armed criminal action in a bench trial held July 27 in Charleston. Judge Blake Pearson presided over the trial and rendered his guilty verdict on both counts on Aug. 2.

The incident took place on Sept. 11, 2017. According to the probable cause statement, a white male arrived at Charleston DPS headquarters at 11:21 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2017, stating he had been robbed at gunpoint at his Charleston residence.

The victim stated he was in his front yard speaking to two black males when one of them displayed a .22 caliber revolver from his waistband, pointed it at the victim and ordered him to give him everything he’s got.

The victim, who knew one of the men he was speaking to, handed over his phone to the unidentified male.

The following day a photo line up was shown to the victim and he identified Bland as one of the men who robbed him.

Cann said the matter is scheduled for appearance Aug. 22. The range of punishment for first degree robbery is no less than 10 years and not exceeding 30 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections; and for armed criminal action, the range of punishment is not less than three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Cann said during the appearance on Aug. 22 he is expecting a sentencing advisory report will be ordered and that sentencing will be scheduled about 30 days later.