Arkansas man to serve 24-year term in 2 discount store heists

BENTONVILLE -- A Bentonville man was sentenced to 24 years in prison after admitting to robbing two Dollar General stores.

Zachary Curtis Lucero pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of robbery. He was originally charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, but he agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge.

Lucero, 27, and Chance Rowe, 17, also of Bentonville, were arrested June 11 in connection with robbing the Dollar General at 2107 S. Walton Blvd. Two men wearing masks took less than $1,000, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Two people also stole $2,900 on June 10 from the Dollar General at 1201 S. Eighth St. in Rogers. The suspects, one armed with a handgun, took money from two cash registers and fled in a white SUV, according to court documents.

Lucero told Bentonville police detectives that he and Rowe were "driving around looking for stuff to rob" because he owed $2,125 in rent, according to the affidavit.

Lucero claimed Rowe brought the gun with him from Oklahoma, according to the affidavit. Lucero said he never touched the gun and didn't know if it was loaded, according to the documents.

Rowe told detectives that he helped Lucero commit the robberies and was the one who pointed the handgun at cashiers, according to the affidavit. Rowe said Lucero gave him the gun, according to the affidavit.

Circuit Judge Brad Karren sentenced Lucero to 12 years on each of the robbery counts. The sentences will be served consecutively. He will have to serve at least six years before he is eligible for parole.

Rowe was charged as an adult and pleaded guilty to robbery in December. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

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Metro on 01/29/2018

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