Montgomery pleads guilty to role in robbery of dry cleaning business

Zedekiah Sykes of Montgomery has pleaded guilty to reportedly being involved in the robbery of Jim Massey's Cleaners business on March 10. 

According to a statement from U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson, the plea deal indicates that the 58-year old and three accomplices forced their way into the business by smashing the window with a rock. 

"Once inside, the assailants confronted the business owner and forced him into an office that housed a locked safe," said the statement. "One of the individuals brandished what appeared to be a handgun—later determined to be a BB gun—and demanded the owner open the safe."

"When the owner hesitated, struggling to recall the combination, one of the assailants struck him in the left eye, causing visible bruising and swelling. The group eventually gained access to the safe and stole approximately $8,000 in cash."

The owner was restrained by being zip-tied. His phone and car keys were stolen and the suspects fled in his car. 

Sykes has pleaded guilty to a charge of Hobbs Act Robbery, which the statement said is a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. 

A hearing will be arraigned in the coming months. 

Additionally, Spencer Thomas, 57, of Prattville, was arrested on May 27 for his alleged role in the robbery, the statement said.