A Nesquehoning man was sentenced to 1 to 2 years in prison by Carbon County Common Pleas Judge Roger Nanovic on Friday after previously entering a guilty plea to a third-degree felony robbery charge. The charge stemmed from an incident on June 1, 2022, at the Friendly Food Mart in Nesquehoning.

According to police, Daniel J. Thorpe, 39, won more than $100 while playing a game at the convenience store. Upon initially attempting to claim his winnings, Thorpe became angry when he was asked to show identification, which he did not have on him at the time. After returning with his ID and receiving his money, Thorpe left the store, only to return two hours later.

According to charging documents, Thorpe re-entered the store with a mask or neck gaiter covering his face and wearing sunglasses. He placed a threatening note on the counter in all capital letters that stated, “Stay calm. Don’t make a scene. I’m desperate and armed. I don’t want to hurt you. Give me the blue pouch under the counter now! Stay calm! And you will be fine. (Expletive) this store.”

The store clerk, recognizing the masked man as Thorpe, also noted that he was armed with a can of pepper spray and a stun gun or baton. Despite initial hesitation, the clerk complied with Thorpe’s demands after he threatened to use the weapons. Thorpe fled the scene with a bag containing $236.

Nesquehoning police were called to the scene at 3:11 p.m., shortly after the robbery. Officers described finding a trail of evidence, including a bicycle, articles of clothing, and the stolen bag of money and documents, along Thorme Street. These items were linked to Thorpe, who had been seen in the store earlier that day.

Following his arrest, Thorpe was charged with multiple offenses, including robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, possession of an offensive weapon and possessing an incapacitation device. All except the third-degree felony robbery were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

As part of his sentence, Thorpe is required to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and adhere to all recommended treatments.