Reading And Philadelphia Men Charged With Robbery And Firearms Offenses

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alfredo Cardona Padilla, age 48, Ceferino Charles Hernandez, age 49, both of Reading, Pennsylvania, and Paul Gerald Simmons, age 51, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged by indictment with robbery and firearm offenses.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about March 18, 2024, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Padilla, Hernandez, and Simmons conspired to and did unlawfully take and obtain United States currency that belonged to a company operating in Pennsylvania as a skill-game operator. The indictment further alleges that the company's property was taken from two employees against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury. The indictment also alleges that, during and in relation to the robbery, the defendants brandished firearms.

The ATF, Chambersburg Police Department, Reading Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalties under federal law are life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons indicted are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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