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Teen convicted of robbing state lawmaker two years ago
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A Harrisburg teenager was convicted Tuesday on charges that he robbed a state lawmaker who was returning home following a late dinner nearly two years ago.
A judge ordered that Sharief Hand, now 18, should be held in the Dauphin County Prison on $250,000 bond while he awaits a July 24 sentencing on adult charges of robbery and conspiracy.
State Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, told investigators that he and his colleagues spent several hours debating an extraction tax for Marcellus Shale drillers on Sept. 28, 2010, before grabbing a late dinner.
On his way back to his duplex in midtown Harrisburg, four teenagers approached him. The senator told investigators one of the hooded teens demanded his belongings. Two of the boys ran off while Mr. Solobay, a former linebacker, lunged at the other two. One of the remaining boys pointed a gun at him after he hopped inside his car, he testified.
Police arrested two boys -- both 16 at the time -- for the crime and never found the other two. The other boy who was arrested, Thomas Evans, was acquitted earlier this year after his defense attorney argued that Mr. Solobay could identify the boy's clothing but not his facial features.
First Published June 22, 2012 12:00 am
