2008 Woodie Awards
Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: News
45-year sentence for 'screwdriver bandit'
Thomas Himes
Troy Brown - the man known as the 'screwdriver bandit' for 10 robberies he committed in University City in November 2006 - was sentenced to serve a term of 45 to 80 years in prison on Friday.
Brown was convicted on 10 counts of robbery and related offenses in December 2007 for committing a string of robberies using a screwdriver to threaten female victims, two of whom were affiliated with Penn.
Brown appeared sullen in court Friday as his attorney, Alston Meade, pleaded for lenience before Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Leon Tucker.
Meade cited Brown's drug addiction and underprivileged childhood as circumstances that led to Brown's criminal behavior. Brown's first encounter with the law occurred during a robbery he committed at age 12.
Meade asked that Brown receive between 10 and 20 years at a prison where he could undergo drug-addiction treatment.
After some disagreement over whether Brown had 12 or 20 felony convictions as an adult, Assistant District Attorney Brian Zarello spoke for the prosecution.
"This is 11 victims he sought out at a target-rich location," Zarello said before recommending that Brown receive between 20 and 40 years in prison.
Tucker took neither attorney's advice when he handed down a sentence that mandates that Brown serve at least 45 years in prison.
Brown must also complete five years of probation and pay restitution to his victims.
"It was a just sentence … that reflects the seriousness of the crime," Zarello said after the sentencing.
Meade said he plans to file an appeal, which must be done within 10 days.
Brown was convicted on 10 counts of robbery and related offenses in December 2007 for committing a string of robberies using a screwdriver to threaten female victims, two of whom were affiliated with Penn.
Brown appeared sullen in court Friday as his attorney, Alston Meade, pleaded for lenience before Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Leon Tucker.
Meade cited Brown's drug addiction and underprivileged childhood as circumstances that led to Brown's criminal behavior. Brown's first encounter with the law occurred during a robbery he committed at age 12.
Meade asked that Brown receive between 10 and 20 years at a prison where he could undergo drug-addiction treatment.
After some disagreement over whether Brown had 12 or 20 felony convictions as an adult, Assistant District Attorney Brian Zarello spoke for the prosecution.
"This is 11 victims he sought out at a target-rich location," Zarello said before recommending that Brown receive between 20 and 40 years in prison.
Tucker took neither attorney's advice when he handed down a sentence that mandates that Brown serve at least 45 years in prison.
Brown must also complete five years of probation and pay restitution to his victims.
"It was a just sentence … that reflects the seriousness of the crime," Zarello said after the sentencing.
Meade said he plans to file an appeal, which must be done within 10 days.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
Confused Undergrad
posted 2/11/08 @ 1:32 PM EST
Are there any lawyers out there who can answer my question? I'm no expert, but does this sentence sound a bit harsh. I mean, aren't there some murders who don't even get that much time?
alum
posted 2/11/08 @ 1:59 PM EST
10 armed robberies. Not 2 or three, 10.
Although robbery is not as serious offense as murder, the "screwdriver mugger" committed premeditated robbery 10 times specifically targetting college students. (Continued…)
Doesn't really matter
posted 2/11/08 @ 3:05 PM EST
With the appeals and parole process he'll be out in 10 tops (I would be shocked if he actually spent 10 years behind bars before being paroled).
John
posted 2/11/08 @ 4:28 PM EST
If he tried to rob me he would have gotten the death penalty from my fist.
m s
posted 2/12/08 @ 3:21 PM EST
Months ago, I thought I heard he got caught after he stabbed a cab driver on 69th street. Does anyone else remember that? Or am I thinking of a different guy?
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