December 28th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Allegany County, Michael O. Twigg, State’s Attorney, announced on Thursday, December 28, 2017, that Justin Smith, 35 of Westernport, and Joshua Smith, 33 of Piedmont, WV, were convicted for their respective roles in robberies which occurred at the Best Price Market in McCoole in late July of this year.

Earlier this month, Justin Smith entered guilty pleas to two separate counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon for robberies which occurred at Best Price on July 28 and July 30, 2017.  The investigation revealed that he had entered the market both dates, covering his face with bandanas, and took cash from the teller at knife point both times.  The Honorable Judge Jeffrey Getty sentenced Smith to a total sentence of 25 years in the Maryland Department of Corrections, suspending 10 years of the sentence.

Joshua Smith was convicted on Thursday, December 28, 2017, following a two-day jury trial in the Allegany County Circuit Court, on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and associated crimes.  The investigation revealed he had conspired with Justin Smith to commit the robbery on July 30, 2017, and had aided and abetted Justin Smith in the commission of the crime.  The two men are not related.  Joshua Smith will be sentenced in the near future.

According to Assistant State’s Attorney Erich Bean, who prosecuted the cases, “Both these men have been held accountable for the dangerous crimes they have committed.  Unfortunately, like many crimes that take place in our community, these robberies were committed to fuel a drug habit.  But when you place other people’s lives in jeopardy, that is no excuse.  Thankfully no one was injured.  Another outstanding job by the C3I Unit and assisting law enforcement agencies.”

The cases were investigated by the C3I Unit, with assistance from the Maryland State Police, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and Cumberland City Police.

The cases were also prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Detrick.  Justin Smith was represented by attorney Sean Gallagher.  Joshua Smith was represented by Public Defenders David Schram and James Elliott.