Prov. felon admits to pair of robberies

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A Providence man faces up to life in prison for robbing a convenience store and restaurant within 48 hours of each other.

Alphonso D. Johnson, 38, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The Hobbs Act is used by prosecutors to crack down on career criminals, and applies a sentence of 20 years in prison per repeat offense.

Johnson admitted in court to committing the armed robbery of a Providence convenience store clerk back in April of 2011. He made off with several hundred dollars in cash, cigarettes, and a box of cigars.

He also admitted to robbing and assaulting a restaurant owner on the West End just two days after the first robbery. According to information revealed in court, Johnson kicked and pistol-whipped the owner and took off with her purse, which contained more than $4,300 of the restaurant's money.

Police officers spotted Johnson hiding between two parked cars a short time later, and were able to arrest him after a brief chase on foot.

He's been detained since his arrest, and is due in court for sentencing on Jan. 7.