ASPEN HILL/WHEATON SERIAL ROBBER GETS 12 YEARS IN SLAMMER

A Germantown man who robbed several gas stations and stores in Rockville, Wheaton, and the Aspen Hill area was sentenced to 12 years in prison Monday. Duane James, 53, pled guilty to a spree of 7 robberies in  Rockville and Silver Spring, according to U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein. In each case, James wore a ski mask.

Among the businesses victimized by James were the Rockville Shell station, Twinbrook Shell gas station, and Bel Pre Beer and Wine. James also bagged $10,000-worth of jewelry from The Gold Spot store on Georgia Avenue. He was accused by police of robbing 2 other businesses in Wheaton - Tienda Sula Musica, Wheaton Deli - and the AT&T Store in Aspen Hill.

James was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow, and federal prosecutors received assistance from the ATF and Montgomery County Police in the case.

Photo: Montgomery County Police