A Lewiston man, Max Gbetibouo, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for his involvement in an armed robbery at a convenience store in Saco. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen, who imposed a prison term of 51 months followed by three years of supervised release. During the sentencing, Judge Torresen highlighted that Gbetibouo, an Ivory Coast national, might face deportation after serving his sentence. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution to the victim.
Gbetibouo had pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024. The incident took place in September 2021 when Gbetibouo entered the convenience store with a weapon and demanded money from the register. After the clerk complied with his demands, Gbetibouo fled on foot. The robbery was recorded on surveillance video.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Saco Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Portland Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods and its initiatives to reduce violent crime and enhance community safety, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.
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