The four students accused of robbing a South Campus apartment Saturday night are scheduled to be in court today at 10 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

Syracuse University students Akhere Akhuemokhan, Odion Akhuemokhan, Michael Uko and former SU student Brian Reyes will appear before Judge Jeffrey Merrill at the County of Onondaga/City of Syracuse Criminal Courthouse for the second time this week, after an arraignment on Monday.

At a preliminary hearing, the evidence against the defendants is presented, and the judge decides whether that evidence is sufficient to proceed with the allegations. If so, the case will be turned over to a grand jury, which will decide whether or not to indict the defendants.

All four face felony charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal use of a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of criminal possession of a weapon. A spokesperson for the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office said it’s too early in the judicial process to speculate on sentencing for the crimes

The charges stem from a break-in at 320 Winding Ridge Apt. 2, during which three defendants allegedly displayed handguns and stole cash and marijuana, according to Syracuse court documents.

All four suspects were arrested on Sunday. Akhere Akhuemokhan was arrested at his apartment on 310 Small Road. Odion Akhuemokhan was arrested on State Street in downtown Syracuse.

Uko was arrested at Lyons Hall on Euclid Avenue. Though a Syracuse police report appeared to state Uko was in possession of a gun at the time of his arrest, a spokesman for SPD said no guns were found at the time.

Police arrested Reyes Sunday afternoon in the Syracuse Public Safety Buildings Criminal Investigation Department.

According to the Onondaga County Justice Center’s Web site, Reyes has been released on $10,000 bond, paid by Bob Waters Bail Bonds in Syracuse. The remaining three defendants are being held on bail of $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

kbaustin@syr.edu

Published on February 14, 2008 at 12:00 pm