A federal judge on Sept. 8 ordered a Philadelphia man to serve 107 years and one day in prison for the armed robberies of five Northeast businesses in 2006 and 2007.
During the robberies, Harold Sidney Brunson, 36, typically forced employees and customers to the floor at gunpoint, emptied their pockets and raided the cash registers and cash boxes used by the targeted businesses, authorities said. In some cases, Brunson forced victims to the rear of the businesses before fleeing. In one case, he ordered victims into a walk-in cooler.
At two separate trials, Brunson was convicted of robbing Galaxy Pizza, 1239 Cottman Ave., on Aug. 19, 2006; The Ashton Pub, 9041 Ashton Road, on Sept. 4, 2006; Vince’s Service Center, 7700 Ditman St., on April 13, 2007; Bill’s Family Pizza, 8200 Frankford Ave., on April 15, 2007; and Alfred’s Beverage, 9218 Ashton Road, on April 19, 2007.
Brunson was convicted of Hobbs Act robbery and weapons offenses in each case. The mandatory minimum sentence for his crimes is 107 years. U.S. District Judge Michael M. Baylson presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski, the lead prosecutor, in a sentencing memorandum asked the judge to impose a prison sentence of at least 112 years.
Brunson was found not guilty in connection with two additional armed robberies in the Northeast during the same time period. ••
