TRUMBULL COUNTY Judge sentences man in robbery, kidnap case

The defendant apologized to the victims after he pleaded guilty.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A 24-year-old Youngstown man who pleaded guilty to several charges including aggravated robbery has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Raymond E. Allen Jr. pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of kidnapping and one count of aggravated burglary.
Allen, who told the court he went to school until eighth grade and cannot read, apologized to his victims and to his family during the brief hearing in the courtroom of Judge Peter Kontos of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
The victims declined to comment during the hearing.
Judge Kontos ordered Trumbull County deputy sheriffs to transport Allen to the Lorain Correctional Institution as soon as possible so he can begin serving his sentence.
Co-defendant
Chris Becker, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said Allen's co-defendant, Robert Schell III, 28, will go to trial soon.
Schell faces charges of complicity to aggravated robbery, complicity to aggravated burglary and complicity to kidnapping. He could face up to 20 years in prison, court officials said. His trial is set for August.
Becker said Allen and Schell are accused of stealing $2,400 from a father and son Aug. 13.
"Mr. Schell was friends with the victims," Becker said. "Mr. Schell had previously borrowed money from one of the victims and went to the house on Aug. 13 and told the victims that he was going to the bank to get the money to repay them."
When Schell left the house, he made sure the door was not locked, Becker said.
Shortly after Schell left the home, Allen entered the house with a gun and ordered both victims to get on the floor and he covered their heads with blankets. Allen took the cash and fled, Becker said.
A few days later, Warren police questioned the suspects about the robbery and they gave statements, Becker said.
sinkovich@vindy.com