A Tacony man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for the armed robberies of at least 19 pharmacies during an 11-month crime spree, including 15 heists in the Northeast.
From December 2011 through November 2012, William Webb, 51, of the 6700 block of Torresdale Ave., and an accomplice targeted chain locations such as Rite Aid and CVS, along with numerous independents including Holmesburg Pharmacy, Circle Pharmacy, Stanwood Pharmacy and Somerton Pharmacy.
Webb was usually the getaway driver while Edward Schaeffer, 30, address unknown, was the hold-up man, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Schaeffer generally wore a mask and gloves, while using a stolen .22-caliber revolver to demand cash and prescription meds from employees.
Police arrested the duo last Nov. 12 at Webb’s home soon after the crooks had held up the Rite Aid at 8130 Roosevelt Blvd.
Webb pleaded guilty to conspiracy, robbery and using a firearm in a crime of violence on July 24. Schaeffer pleaded guilty on Sept. 12 and will be sentenced on Dec. 5.
U.S. District Judge John R. Padova ordered Webb to pay $65,270.15 restitution in addition to serving 25 years in prison. ••
