Grand Forks man faces federal charges in Hobbs Act robbery – Grand Forks Herald

GRAND FORKS — A Grand Forks man accused of committing an armed robbery at a gas station is currently on trial at the federal level.

Ian Paul Kramchuck, 20,

initially charged in district court

However. District case dismissed in light of Hobbs Act robbery charge.

Court documents allege that Kramchuck stole from a business entity engaged in interstate commerce against the will of its employees on Aug. 12. This is the key element that classifies the crime as a Hobbs Act robbery and makes it eligible for federal prosecution. actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury.

It is generally easy to establish federal jurisdiction for robberies that occur at businesses. Like armed robberies, firearms cases generally have a higher priority for federal prosecution.

1220 University Ave., according to an affidavit filed in Kramchuck’s original county-level lawsuit. He entered Petro Serve USA with a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol.

He allegedly threatened an employee with a gun and demanded money from the cash register. His efforts were thwarted by employees who took the gun from him and restrained Kramchuck until police arrived, according to a press release issued by the Grand Forks Police Department after the incident.

Kramchuck’s federal hearing and initial hearing are scheduled for Nov. 4 at 11 a.m.