‘Danger’ Who Wore Wig, Disguise in Violent Store Robberies Jailed up to 40 Years | Lancaster County District Attorney's Office

Timothy Jenkins

A Columbia man will serve up to 40 years in prison for a pair of violent store robberies this year – crimes that were solved when police from two departments collaborated to trace a getaway vehicle then discover the robber's disguise in a Dumpster. 

Timothy Jenkins was sentenced Friday to 16 to 40 years in prison for the Jan. 5 robberies at Turkey Hill stores in West Hempfield Township and nearby Columbia. Jenkins, 53, displayed a knife during both robberies, assaulted the clerks and knocked them to the floor. Jenkins has an extensive criminal history which includes a robbery conviction that resulted in lengthy prison and parole terms. 

"The emotional trauma you have placed on people is unacceptable, and not easily remedied," Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth told Jenkins. "You are a danger to the community." Jenkins pleaded guilty to counts of robbery, simple assault, and related charges in exchange for the prison sentence. He faces an additional prison sentence – likely at least four more years – when he is sentenced for violating state parole, according to testimony. 

First Deputy District Attorney Travis S. Anderson said the crimes were solved with fine police work from West Hempfield Township and Columbia departments. The robber's "elaborate disguise" was found in a Dumpster at Jenkins' workplace, FDDA Anderson said. Columbia police Officer Daniel Bell and West Hempfield Township police Detective Sgt. George Brace filed charges. 

On Jan. 5, the Turkey Hill at 342 Chestnut Street, Columbia, was targeted first. About 40 minutes later, the Turkey Hill at 1199 Prospect Road was robbed. The robber took cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets. 

At sentencing, Jenkins asked FDAA Anderson to apologize to the victims for "the trauma I put them through." President Judge Ashworth said, "It is one thing to apologize, but there are some things you just can't fix." 

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright Source:  Lancaster County District Attorney's Office

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/da/11617/post/%E2%80%98danger%E2%80%99-who-wore-wig-disguise-violent-store-robberies-jailed-40-years