COLCHESTER — Joshua Wells, 34, of Colchester, has been indicted for an offense under the Hobbs Act for obstructing commerce by robbery.
Wells made his initial appearance in United States District Court in Burlington on May 31.United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle scheduled a detention hearing for June 7.
According to court records, the South Burlington Police Department (SBPD) received a call reporting an armed robbery at the Jolley gas station located at 977 Shelburne Road in South Burlington, on January 17.
A white male dressed in all black clothing and a black mask was reported to have brandished a gun at the store clerk, stolen money and a carton of cigarettes, and fled on foot.
On January 19, 2023, investigators searched Wells’ hotel room and vehicle and found the gun used in the robbery, which was revealed to be a BB gun, as well as the distinctive black mask that Wells is believed to have worn during the robbery at the Jolley.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlights that the indictment is an accusation only and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
If convicted, Wells could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the South Burlington Police Department, the Colchester Police Department, the University of Vermont Police Services, and the New England State Police Intelligence Network for their work in the investigation.
