Two men arraigned today for robbing Belleria Pizzeria

YOUNGSTOWN — Two city men charged with the robbery of the Belleria Pizzeria on Wick Avenue on Sunday both have violent criminal pasts.

Stanley Croom, 44, of Plazaview Court has been charged with aggravated robbery and being a convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm. He appeared for arraignment today before Judge Elizabeth Kobly of Youngstown Municipal Court.

Prosecutors told the court Croom has prior convictions for aggravated robbery and murder. A check of the state’s adult offender database shows Croom was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison in 1985 for two counts of aggravated robbery and murder.

He was paroled from prison in June 2008.

Judge Kobly set bail at $200,000 and appointed an attorney to represent Croom.

Jeffrey Shorter, 41, of Orange Avenue, is charged with aggravated robbery and obstruction of official business. He was also arraigned today before Judge Kobly.

Prosecutors told the court that Shorter has previous convictions for aggravated robbery, robbery and theft. The judge set his bond at $155,000 and also appointed a lawyer to represent him.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com