Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

FRESNO, Calif. — Rozelle Summerise, 39, of Fresno, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to 30 years in prison for nine armed robberies, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, during a one-month period in the fall of 2012, Summerise committed armed robberies of Kmart in Clovis, Check N’ Go in Madera, and the following businesses in Fresno: CVS, Check N’ Go (twice), Foods Co., Crossland Economy Motel, Arco Minimart, and Motel 6. A search of Summerise’s residence uncovered several items used in the robberies including a revolver and a wig.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder stated: “ATF remains committed to reducing violent crime in our community by targeting those who use firearms to potentially harm our citizens. We will continue to work closely with our partners at the Fresno Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office to remove violent offenders from the community.”

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer stated: “Removing Summerise from society before he killed one of his robbery victims was a top priority for our agency and could not have been done without the incredible teamwork of local law enforcement, ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Fresno Police Department. This was a collaborative effort as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a joint effort among local, state and federal law enforcement authorities aimed at reducing gang and gun violence. Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez and Melanie Alsworth prosecuted the case.

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