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Washington, IL armed robbery case goes to Federal court

By Audrey Williams
March 1, 2013 Updated Mar 1, 2013 at 11:47 PM CDT

PEORIA, Ill -- The U.S. Attorney announced Friday an indictment in a Washington, Illinois armed robbery case.

Todd Lawson, 23, Whitney Graham, 21 of East Peoria. and Lucious Turntine, 24 of Peoria, are each charged with three counts alleging they robbed the Casey's Gas station in Washington July 1, 2012.

The indictment alleges Lawson, Graham and Turntine conspired and worked together to commit the armed robbery.

Law enforcement officials said the decision to prosecute this case in Federal court is based on the degree of danger these suspects pose to the community; And they hope to send a message that will deter future crime.

"We are not going to tolerate violent crime in our region. This is not just a Washington issue, it's a regional issue. Whether it's in Peoria County, or Woodford County or Tazewell County, we are going to stand together and we aren't going to tolerate violent crime, drug crimes, gun crimes," said Washington Police Chief James Kuchenbecker.

All three remain in custody of U.S. Marshals. A trail is scheduled for May 6th.

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