Maurice Tolbert, Richard Tolbert
MILWAUKEE - A 43-year-old Milwaukee man was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in prison on Sept. 24 after pleading guilty to his role in four cellphone store robberies.
Federal prosecutors said the man, Maurice Tolbert, also pleaded guilty to two counts of brandishing a firearm. Tolbert brandished the weapons in order to steal the phones and other items, authorities said.
Tolbert's cousin, 38-year-old Richard Tolbert of Chicago, was previously sentenced to 14 years in prison. Richard Tolbert pleaded guilty to involvement in three cellphone store robberies and two counts of brandishing a firearm.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
On some occasions, according to prosecutors, both men ordered employees into back rooms and on at least one occasion bound the employees' wrists and ankles.
The guns used during the robberies were bought by Maurice Tolbert's girlfriend, prosecutors said. She was convicted of her role and previously sentenced to 24 months of probation.
Both men were previously charged at the state level for the 2019 crimes. A robbery in West Allis that year also led to a pursuit and crash.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
Racine home invasion, homicide; 31-year-old man dead, suspect sought
Racine police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 31-year-old man at a residence on Monroe Avenue late Monday, Oct. 4.
66th and Hampton shooting: Suspect in court for preliminary hearing
A Milwaukee man charged with fatally shooting a 76-year-old man near 66th and Hampton on Sept. 20 is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Mayor Tom Barrett frustrated over shooting of young girls
Milwaukee's mayor expressed sheer frustration over the shooting of two young girls -- one of them fatally.