Man arrested 44 times without conviction, found guilty of armed robberies

(CBS/AP) PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man who has been arrested 44 times without being convicted, now faces a minimum of 32 years in federal prison for a pair of armed robberies.

A jury convicted 25-year-old John Gassew on Wednesday of two counts each of robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime following two days of deliberations.

In 2010, Gassew was profiled by the Philadelphia Inquirer for his unusual arrest record. Of Gassew's 44 arrests, about 20 of the cases against him collapsed after witnesses failed to appear for court.

Federal prosecutors praised the witnesses who testified during Gassew's most recent trial, including four victims who identified him as their assailant.

Sentencing is scheduled for May.