Couple sentenced for string of robberies

A Northeast Ohio couple, including an Amherst woman, were sentenced to prison for 16 robberies or attempted robberies to fund their drug habit, according to a news release.

Casey Layne Liberty, 31, of Amherst, and Daniel T. Begin, 33, of Cleveland, were both sentenced to 71 months in prison. Both were ordered to pay $6,598 in restitution.

The pair previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank robbery, bank robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery, the release said.

“The pair went on a month-long crime spree in which they robbed banks and stores to feed their drug habit,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “It’s a miracle no one was killed and we’re gratified this duo will be off the street for years to come.”

Liberty wore a disguise and robbed banks and stores while Begin acted as the getaway driver, according to court documents.

The pair admitted the following bank robberies in 2017: Andover Bank in Conneaut on Sept. 17, Chase Bank in Medina on Sept. 28, First National Bank in Beachwood on Oct. 4, and the Chase Bank in Fairlawn on Oct. 12.

They also pleaded guilty to robbing a Subway in Findlay on Sept. 26, a Seven Eleven in Brunswick on Sept. 27, a Gamestop in Elyria on Oct. 7, a Domino’s Pizza in Madison on Oct. 10, a Mr. Hero in Canton on Oct. 11, a Subway in Avon on Oct. 15, a Subway in Elyria on Oct. 16, a Mr. Hero in Perkins Township on Oct. 19, a Domino’s Pizza in North Olmsted on Oct. 22 and a Mr. Hero in Berea on Oct. 22.

— Staff reports