THE LEDGER-STAR
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 18, 1994 TAG: 9407180213
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Benjamin Arroyo most likely will spend more time behind bars for robbery than would a convicted rapist or murderer under a new state law.
The man who prosecuted Arroyo said it is only right that he spend the rest of his life in prison after his conviction on 10 counts of armed robbery, even though no one was injured in the crimes.
``He should not get some volume discount when we are dealing with crimes of violence,'' said Michael V. Gerrard, Henrico County assistant commonwealth's attorney. ``Sentences shouldn't come cheaper by the dozen. ... These are the consequences when you use a gun in multiple crimes.''
Arroyo was sentenced under a new state law that says anyone who commits three or more separate robberies while armed with a deadly weapon is not eligible for parole. His only hope for eventual release would appear to be clemency by whomever is governor in a couple of decades.
KEYWORDS: ARMED ROBBERY PAROLE WEAPON by CNB