DANVILLE - A Philadelphia man convicted in June for a robbery at a Danville jewelry store last year was sentenced today to a state prison term of 10 to 20 years.
Eric J. Smith, 38, appeared for sentencing this morning before Columbia-Montour President Judge Scott W. Naus. Smith was convicted by a jury June on robbery and criminal conspiracy charges for the July 14, 2008 robbery at Ryan's Jewelers on Mill Street in Danville.
Two employees and a customer in the store testified they feared for their lives after being blinded by pepper spray, hit with a stun gun and tied up by Smith.
Rolex watches, bracelets, necklaces and rings taken from the shop and valued at $163,000 were left behind.
A man testified things didn’t look right in the shop and he summoned police. Smith was captured about a block away.
Smith’s girlfriend, Melanie McDuffie, 44, of Sicklerville, was charged March 28 with two counts of robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and theft. Her case in pending in the Montour County court system.
