Man gets probation for role in robbery

YOUNGSTOWN -- A former employee of Springfield Grille in Boardman has received probation for his role in an armed robbery at the restaurant last April.
Appearing before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum, Brandon M. Collier, 25, of North Garland Avenue, was sentenced to five years' probation after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
As recommended by the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office, the judge stipulated that Collier will complete an in-house residential corrections program and provide testimony about anyone else who was involved in the crime.
Collier and an unidentified man entered the restaurant after hours, held employees at gunpoint and took more than $6,600 in cash and $90 in checks from the safe.
Collier, who has no prior criminal record, was not believed to have had the gun, officials said.