PG County convicts Gaithersburg man of robbery

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - A Prince George's County jury Friday convicted a Gaithersburg man of 52 counts of robbery that occurred at apartment complex near College Park last August.

Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks announced that her office that 24-year-old Sergio Hernandez had been found guilty of robbing more than nine victims. 

The robbery took place at an apartment complex near the Ikea in College Park.  Hernandez made away with cell phones, cash, and other electronics from people, who were attending a party in the apartment complex.

"When our victims and witnesses come forward, it can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of our cases," explained Alsobrooks.  "This case demonstrated how much the criminal justice system relies on victims and witnesses.  When people come forward, our process is strengthened." 

The trial was held over a three-day period before Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge Maureen Lamasney.  The jury deliberated for three hours before deciding that Hernandez was guilty of 52 of the 53 charges against him.

The charges included: theft; robbery; robbery with a deadly weapon; assault in the first and second degree; and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence.  More than 15 witnesses, some of them victims, showed up in court to testify against Hernandez.  

Hernandez's sentencing hearing will held on October 26, 2012 before Judge Lamasney.  He faces a maximum of 180 years in prison for his crimes.