West End robbery suspects in court
Three of the four women arrested for their alleged roles in the robberies of two businesses just blocks apart in the city’s West End at the end of October waived their preliminary hearings Monday. A fourth woman had her preliminary hearing continued.
Stacey Marie Hughes, 45, of Bridgeville, Brittany Ellis, 29, of Sunset Boulevard, South Strabane Township, and Amber Lee Campbell, 21, of West Chestnut Street, Washington, all waived their cases to common pleas court in an appearance before District Judge Robert Redlinger.
Kimberly Campbell, 38, also of West Chestnut Street, had her preliminary hearing continued to Nov. 18 because her attorney was not present.
Police say Hughes was armed with a knife when she robbed the 7-Eleven, 375 W. Chestnut St., on Oct. 21, and the West End Bottle Shop, 20 Cumberland Ave., on Oct. 22.
She is accused of tying up the convenience clerk with duct tape before fleeing from the 7-Eleven with cash, leaving behind the knife and Newport cigarettes she also had demanded.
The following night, she allegedly robbed the bottle shop, stealing cash and a 12-pack of beer. She is charged with robbery and conspiracy.
Ellis, Amber Campbell and Kimberly Campbell allegedly hindered the efforts of city police to apprehend Hughes after the bottle shop robbery. Police said Kimberly Campbell is Amber Campbell’s aunt.
City police Detective Dan Rush said he has evidence to support an allegation that Ellis and Amber Campbell helped Hughes plan the robberies.
Hughes allegedly went to the apartment shared by the Campbells after the robbery.
Kimberly Campbell reportedly told Rush that she was asleep and did not know Hughes was at the apartment.
Ellis and Amber Campbell are charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of hindering apprehension. Ellis also is charged with unsworn falsification to police. Kimberly Campbell is charged with one count of hindering apprehension.
Redlinger altered the bonds for Hughes, Ellis and Amber Campbell. Ellis and Campbell were issued unsecured $5,000 bonds, in place of $5,000 percentage bonds. Hughes’ bond was changed from $10,000 to $5,000. Kimberly Campbell remained in the county jail Monday on $5,000 bond.