A St. Louis man has admitted to robbing two businesses in St. Louis County, Missouri, at gunpoint last year. Stanley E. Alford, 58, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to charges of robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Alford confessed to robbing a store on Gravois Bluffs Boulevard in Fenton on January 24, 2024, and a pawnshop on Gravois Road two days later. In the first incident, Alford initially asked for change but returned shortly after to return an item he had purchased. When the cashier opened the register, he brandished a handgun and demanded money.
At the pawnshop, Alford pretended to browse jewelry before pulling out a handgun. The employee assisting him fled, allowing Alford to steal a tray of gold and diamond rings.
Surveillance footage captured both robberies and showed Alford fleeing in his vehicle. Authorities found stolen rings and clothing linking him to the crimes.
Alford is set for sentencing on October 14. He faces up to 20 years for each robbery charge and an additional seven years for each firearm charge.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone prosecuting.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
