Cinnaminson Trio Now Faces Charges in 12 Armed/Attempted Armed Robberies

A Cinnaminson trio has now been charged in connection with 12 armed robberies or attempted armed robberies in an effort to obtain money to buy heroin.

Elizabeth A. Albertson, 28, Charles Richards, 28, and Bryan Hawthorne, 26, were each charged with attempted robbery and conspiracy in connection with attempting to rob a Shell gas station on Route 130 north during a snowstorm on Jan. 21, Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Cinnaminson Director of Public Safety Michael P. King announced on Thursday.

Hawthorne and Richards allegedly approached the gas station around 7:30 p.m. and stated they wished to purchase drinks. The attendant in the station locked the door and refused to allow them inside, even after Hawthorne allegedly pulled out a black handgun. Hawthorne and Richards then ran off in the direction of Willow Drive.

Albertson was allegedly the driver.

All three defendants had a first appearance today in Superior Court, where the Hon. Thomas P. Kelly, J.S.C. set the consolidated bail amounts at $450,000 for Richards, and $350,000 for Hawthorne and Albertson.

All three have been in custody since initially being charged on Feb. 8.

Previously, all three were charged in connection with the robbery of a Pac-a-Sac in Lumberton on Feb. 2; the robbery of a 7-11 in Mount Laurel on Jan. 16; the robbery of a Food Mart in Delran on Jan. 26; The Wine Nova Store in Stratford on Feb. 2; Pike Liquors in Lindenwold on Feb. 4; Richards Liquors in Gloucester Township on Feb. 4; the January 14 armed robbery of the Sunoco gas station; the January 21 of the Country Farms convenience store; and the Jan. 19 robbery of a Country Farms convenience store in Hainesport.

Hawthorne and Richards were also charged conspiracy to commit armed robbery and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with a plot to rob a liquor store in Florence.

Richards and Albertson were charged in connection with the robbery of The Liquor Mill in Magnolia on Jan 13.

An investigation revealed the defendants used proceeds from the robberies to buy heroin in Camden, officials said.