Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen announced today that Michael N. Greene (d.o.b. 11/10/1981), of North Carolina, pled guilty today in Saratoga County Court to Robbery in the Second Degree, in violation of Section 160.10(2)(b) of the New York State Penal Law, a “Class C” violent Felony, before Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy, III.
The defendant Greene’s plea stems from an incident that occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on November 3, 2016. Greene entered the Town of Halfmoon Rite Aid, walked to the rear of the pharmacy and announced to the Pharmacist he had a gun and demanded the Pharmacist hand over controlled substances, Vyvanse and Xanax. The Pharmacist did as instructed and Greene immediately fled the pharmacy. An employee called 911 and Greene was caught trying to flee the area less than two hours later by New York State Police.
Heggen praised the Pharmacist for her calm and controlled reaction to Greene’s threat and the extraordinary efforts of the New York State Police who were able to identify and locate Greene as the robber so quickly. “I commend both the Rite Aid Pharmacist for remaining calm and complying with the defendant’s demand as she was trained and instructed, as well as, the swift, coordinated and highly effective response by the New York State Police. Their ability to secure the area led to the capture of Greene waiting for a taxi, suitcase in hand and the controlled substances he had taken from the pharmacy packed inside,” explained District Attorney Heggen.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adele M. Kurtz.
Greene is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2017 in Saratoga County Court.