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Detroit man sentenced to prison for robbing Ann Arbor phone store

CBS News Detroit Digital Brief for August 22, 2023
CBS News Detroit Digital Brief for August 22, 2023 05:16

(CBS DETROIT) - A Detroit man is sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for robbing a T-Mobile store in downtown Ann Arbor.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Deon Bell, 27, went to the store on Oct. 19, 2022, and pulled out what appeared to be a gun, demanding employees take him to the safe. 

He stole about $9,000 in smartphones and watches. He also demanded money from the register, taking $381, officials say.

Authorities say the employees gave Bell the real items and a decoy, allowing investigators to locate him.

"Violence has no place in our community," said U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison in a press release. "Pulling a gun on people just trying to make a living is a cowardly act, and our office is committed to taking dangerous people off the streets."

Federal officials say Bell has a long criminal history, including drug dealing, carrying a concealed weapon, and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

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