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Robbery trial under way
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The trial of a man arrested in connection with a pair of armed robberies is being held this week.

Devonte Shamar Arms, 22, Platteville, was bound over for trial July 20 on two counts of party to burglary — building or dwelling and seven counts of party to armed robbery with threat of force, all felony charges. Arms pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Arms’ trial was originally set for Nov. 3, but was rescheduled for this week, according to court records. The robbery charges each have maximum sentences of 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines, and the burglary charges each have maximum sentences of six years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Arms filed a motion Aug. 19 to have the charges to have evidence suppressed on the grounds the evidence was collected through an illegal search. The motion was denied by Grant County Circuit Judge Craig Day Thursday.

Police said five victims in a Fox Ridge Road residence reported they were robbed Feb. 12 around 11:18 p.m. by three masked males, one of whom was armed with a rifle, another with a handgun. The victims were told to lie down on the floor face down while the suspects took their wallets and other belongings, police said. One of the victims was hit in the face, though not seriously injured. 

Police said in February the residence “was possibly targeted based on past relationships.” 

The Fox Ridge Road investigation revealed that a similar armed robbery had taken place the previous night on Division Street Feb. 11 around 11 p.m. That robbery also involved three males, police said.

Arms is the only person to have been charged in connection with the robberies. The other suspects have not been positively identified or arrested. Anyone with information is asked to call police, 348-2313.