FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – An alleged gang member faced a Broward County judge Tuesday afternoon in the case of a string of armed Dunkin Donuts robberies throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties in 2008.
James Herard, who was just 19 years old at the time of the robberies, has already been sentenced to 125 years in prison in Palm Beach County, but Broward County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the gang member, known notoriously as a Crip.
Richard Sills said Herard was arrested for the robberies the same day he attempted to steal his pit bull Dec. 2, 2008.
"Mr. Herard came from behind with a ski mask on with a gun, grabbed me from behind, busted the beverage I had," Sills said. "I had the dog in my hand. He told me that he just wanted the dog and he had the gun on my side."
Lauderhill police arrested Herard shortly after the attempted dog-snatching. Officers said Herard and four other gang members targeted Dunkin' Donuts stores in Delray Beach, Sunrise and Tamarac, shooting many customers inside.
The trials begin for Jonathan Jackson and Calvin Weatherspoon on May 19.
Two other men will stand trial in July.