This case is rather difficult because the complainant her or the victim was not able to identify the two people who robbed him of his wallet. The victim did not even see the weapon that was used against him. It was his belief that what was used was a gun that his assailants pressed against his neck. It was also specially difficult because the prosecution was only relying on the testimonies of the two women accomplices of the defendants.
According to a report, the defendant was charged with robbery in the first degree along with several other charges which are robbery in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, and menacing in the second degree, upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence. Looking at the story of the crime that took place, it was a “simple” case of getting somebody’s wallet. But because of the other crimes that were committed, this “simple” case became complicated.
The defendant along with another guy and two women accomplices approached the victim from the back. According to the testimony of the defendant the weapon that was used to threaten the victim was not a gun but a knife. According to a report, on the afternoon of December 17, 2005, the complainant went to the Venture Inn where the complainant met two women, Verna Russman and Brandi Mcmillan. The complainant and the two young women stayed at the bar of the Venture Inn where the complainant even bought drinks for Mcmillan and Russman. Both women had relationships with the complainant’s assailants. Mcmillan was involved with Samuel Spradley and Russman with the defendant, James Mcrae.
Witnesses also testified, based on a Grand Larceny gathered data, that Spradley and Mcrae stayed in the Venture in the whole day that day of the crime. Mcmillan also testified that when the complainant asked them wht they wanted to drink, Russman said that she didn’t want any because he only had $2.00 on his wallet. But the complainant opened his wallet to show Russman that he had more than plenty, even commenting to Russman, “how high can you count?”showing Russman plenty of $100 bills. This was all according to McMillan’s testimony about the alleged grand larceny.
Shortly after they had drinks, Russman agreed to accompany the complainant to a nearby motel. Russman and the complainant even asked her if she wanted to join them. But Mcmillan was already planning to go with Spradley and Mcrae. When the the complainant and Russman left, Mcmillan went with the defendant and Spradley to plan on how to rob the complainant. They followed the couple until they reached the motel and went to another bar. After the bar of the motel was closed they again transferred to another motel; until Spradley and Mcrae had the chance to rob the complainant. Mcmillan also testified that Mcrae out the blunt part of an opened knife to the neck of the complainant. Everything happened so fast that the complainant did not have the chance to see the faces of his assailants. He then saw them get inside a big car which he even thought was black instead of dark blue. From these facts and stories come the criminal circumstances in this case.
Trusting strangers with information about your valuables is not a bright idea. You might turn out to be a victim of a crime. It is just fortunate that there are New York Robbery lawyers who are always ready to listen to your case.
Stephen Bilkis and Associates together with its Grand Larceny attorneys are ready to serve you in these trying times. You can be sure that they will treat you and your case as professionally as possible.
You’ll also be pleased to know that in the spirit of good service and for your convenience as well, Stephen Bilkis and Associates have already put up offices across the metropolitan areas of New York and Corona.