Wal-Mart armed robber
sentenced to 30 years

The lead gunman behind the robbery of a Wal-Mart store in December 2006 was sentenced last week to 30 years in prison.
Bilial Shabazz, 37, also known as "Pepe" and "Terry Sharp," was convicted of robbery and firearms violations last August. The prosecutor was Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen S. Marston. Shabazz was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Eduardo C. Robreno.
The robbery took place Dec. 3, 2006, at the Wal-Mart at 4640 Roosevelt Blvd. A total of $351,563 was stolen.
Authorities say Bruce Johnson, an assistant Wal-Mart manager, provided Shabazz and Christopher "Pun" Young with blue smocks to carry as they entered the store at 2:14 a.m. Steven Patton, another assistant manager, opened the door for them.
Shabazz and Young, carrying guns, forced an employee into the safe room and duct-taped his mouth, hands and ankles. Patton, pretending to be a victim, opened the safe, which contained Saturday’s sales proceeds.
After an investigation by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department, all four men were arrested. Shabazz was locked up after fleeing to Miami.
Young, Patton and Johnson pleaded guilty last year. Patton and Johnson are serving prison sentences. Young will be sentenced on May 5. ••