Robbery trial begins today

By Karen Blackledge
The Daily Item

June 10, 2009 08:10 am

— DANVILLE — A Philadelphia man’s jury trial on robbing a jewelry store last summer is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. today in Montour County Court.
A jury was selected Tuesday for the trial of Eric J. Smith, 38, charged with robbing Ryan’s Jewelers July 14. It is believed to be the first armed robbery in Danville in 15 years. He was arrested on three counts of aggravated assault, robbery, unlawful restraint and theft.
Smith has been in jail since being apprehended the day of the robbery.
Two employees and a customer in the store at the time testified at his preliminary hearing they feared for their lives after being blinded by pepper spray, hit with a stun gun and tied up by Smith.
Rolex watches, bracelets, necklaces and rings taken from the 267 Mill St. shop and valued at $163,000 were left behind.
A man testified things didn’t look right in the shop and he summoned police. Smith was captured about a block away.
Smith’s girlfriend, Melanie McDuffie, 44, of Sicklerville, was charged March 28 with two counts of robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and theft.
Her preliminary hearing will be held sometime this summer.
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