Nov 19, 2014 2 min read

The South Franklin Township man accused of robbing a North Franklin Township convenience store waived charges filed in that case to court and was arraigned in connection with two additional robberies Wednesday.

Jacob L. Cottrell, 27, of 225 Hunter Lane, was scheduled for a preliminary hearing for the Nov. 7 robbery at Sunrise Sunoco, 1550 W. Chestnut St., before District Judge Robert Redlinger.

But Cottrell waived a hearing on charges of robbery, theft and retail theft in exchange for a reduction in bond from $25,000 to $10,000.

He also was arraigned before Redlinger on charges of robbery, terroristic threats, theft and retail theft for the Oct. 27 holdup of the Valero gas station and convenience store at 1390 W. Chestnut St., also in North Franklin. Bond was set at $10,000 in that case.

Earlier Wednesday, Cottrell was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward on charges of robbery, theft, reckless endangerment and retail theft for the Oct. 30 robbery of Jim’s Stop & Shop in Morris Township. Ward set bond at $100,000.

Cottrell was arrested shortly after the Nov. 7 robbery. Police said they found cigarettes believed to have been stolen from the Sunoco store and camouflage clothing in his car when he was apprehended.

Police also found a BB gun he allegedly brandished in several of the robberies.

In all three incidents, police said he wore camouflage clothing and paint on his face when went into the store and asked for cigarettes. He then demanded the clerk hand over cash.

Donegal Township police Chief John Yancosek said Wednesday his department is still investigating whether Cottrell was involved in the Nov. 4 attempt to rob the Exxon station on Route 40. Cottrell also is a suspect in the attempted robbery of Frye’s Stateline Grocery on Route 40 in Valley Grove, W.Va.

Cottrell remains in Washington County jail.