The trial of a man arrested in connection with a pair of armed robberies has been scheduled after his motion to exclude evidence was denied in Grant County Circuit Court.

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 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.

Arms’ trial is set for Nov. 3, with a status conference Oct. 19, 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.

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 suspect arrested in connection with the robberies. Anyone with information is asked to call Platteville police, 348-2313.