SUNBURY - The 20-year-old Philadelphia man originally expected to plead guilty Monday of robbing Tower Sales Minit instead requested a continuance for a trial.
Michael Hillsee and his attorney, Michael Seward, entered the request at approximately 2:05 p.m. Monday in front of Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor.
Hillsee is facing five criminal charges of felonies of robbery and criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, and misdemeanors of theft, criminal conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property and possessing an instrument of crime in connection with the robbery involving the theft of approximately $200 from the Mount Carmel store in December.
The charges were filed March 2 by Mount Carmel Patrolman David Donkochik.
In March, Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones modified Hillsee's bail from $100,000 cash to $50,000 at the request of Seward, who serves as special counsel for Northumberland County. The bail reduction required Hillsee to only post 10 percent of the $50,000, but he was still unable to provide bail and was recommitted to the county jail.
Hillsee was taken into custody by the Philadelphia Sheriff's Department on an outstanding warrant relating to the robbery in Mount Carmel.
According to a criminal complaint, Hillsee entered Tower Sales at Third and Maple streets at about 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and asked a female clerk for Black and Mild cigars. After the clerk asked for identification, the defendant pulled out a brown leather wallet and fumbled around looking for money. Hillsee then told the clerk his money was in his car. Hillsee opened the door and looked outside, but never went out, the clerk told police.
Upon seeing a passing car, Hillsee went back to the counter and opened up his hooded sweatshirt to show the clerk that he had a pistol.
Hillsee then placed a brown lunch bag on the counter and demanded the clerk to fill it with money. According to the clerk, Hillsee stated, "I only need a little."
A more experienced female clerk instructed the other employee to give Hillsee money from the cash register. The clerk gave Hillsee between $180 and $200 in $10 and $20 denominations.
Police allege Hillsee also attempted to commit an armed robbery at the Pheasant Run Mini Mart along Route 901 in Lavelle shortly before the robbery in Mount Carmel. But police said Hillsee fled the store after the cashier told him she didn't have any money to give him and triggered a silent alarm.