Two indicted on robbery charges

Two Franklin County men accused of robbing a store clerk and his nephew at knifepoint have been indicted for first-degree robbery.

Franklin County Courthouse officials said Dartania Heribert Cruz, 22, 915 Limestone St. Northwest, Russellville and Juan Lucas-Castaneda, 20, 801 Franklin 144, were both indicted for first-degree robbery and third-degree theft of property during the May session of the Franklin County grand jury.

Investigators said the incident occurred on Dec. 16 at a convience store on Franklin 144 located near BDI Trailer Park.

Authorities said the two men wore masks and were carrying knifes as they walked into the store.

Officials said the men held the store clerk and his nephew at knifepoint while ordering them to empty the cash register.

Investigators said no one was injured, but the two men were able to get away with at least $150 taken from the register.

Law enforcement officials received an anonymous tip locating the ones involved in the robbery.

Authorities were able to identify one suspect and picked the other suspect up for questioning.

Both men were arrested.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said the cases against the two men will be set for arraignment at the end of June and could be placed on the August trial docket.

First-degree robbery is a Class A felony and, if convicted, Cruz and Lucas-Castaneda could face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.