An inmate serving a 15-to-30-year sentence for robbing 10 Lancaster neighborhood stores is arguing that his attorney gave him bad advice.
Arieset Galarza-Ruiz pleaded guilty last year to the 2013 armed robberies, and has appealed that his attorney promised a more lenient sentence.
The Pennsylvania Superior Court has declined to entertain the appeal. In a Tuesday ruling, the high court writes that Galarza-Ruiz’s attorney didn’t overlook any basis for appeal.
The high court also ruled that Galarza’s allegation regarding his attorney should have been argued on prior appeal.
Galarza-Ruiz, 31, was jailed for a spree of armed robberies at convenience stores and gas stations, many near his home, between October and December 2013.
Galarza-Ruiz netted about $2,000 in all the robberies.
Lancaster County Judge Joseph Madenspacher ordered the 15-to-30-year sentence. Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman prosecuted the case.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us