Man found guilty of robbery and burglary of co-worker’s apartment – ​​NBC10 Philadelphia

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced a conviction Thursday in connection with a 2023 home invasion and armed robbery that occurred in the East Germantown neighborhood.

During a lunchtime event, Krasner and other members of his office announced the conviction of 28-year-old Marquise Alexander, who was accused of robbing a colleague who worked at a grocery store at gunpoint last year, breaking into his home and stealing numerous valuables.

In a statement about the sentencing, Krasner’s office noted that Alexander was charged with robbery, conspiracy, weapons violations and other offenses.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on the evening of August 16, 2023, when Otis Ryans returned to his home in the 500 block of Church Lane and found his co-worker Alexander and another man – whose identity officials did not disclose Thursday – waiting on his doorstep.

Officials said Ryans was “confused and wanted to defuse the situation” and allowed Alexander and the other man to enter the home.

Inside, an altercation ensued between Ryans and the two men, during which one of Ryans’ licensed firearms was taken from him and the perpetrators held him at gunpoint while they stole valuables from the house.

The men fled the scene and, according to authorities, Alexander fled town and failed to report to a parole officer assigned to him due to a previous conviction.

According to authorities, Ryans cooperated with prosecutors and testified against Alexander in court.

“You have no idea what you have done to me financially, mentally and emotionally,” Ryans said Thursday, noting that he has been homeless since the incident. “The damage is already done.”

On Thursday, he thanked prosecutors for their work but said he had forgiven Alexander despite the problems the incident had caused.

“I’m grateful you didn’t pull the trigger,” Ryans said. “I’ll probably never hear ‘sorry,’ but you’re already forgiven.”

Alexander was convicted and remains in police custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for October 18, 2024.

Alexander also faces charges in Delaware County for his role in another armed robbery in October of last year, officials said.