San Diego

2 Charged in Metro PCS Store Robberies Across San Diego County

Two men arrested outside a Metro PCS store in Pacific Beach have entered not guilty pleas to felony charges, federal prosecutors said.

Justin Wayne Caldwellm 30, and Carlos Adolfo Soto, 39, each face one count of conspiracy and 10 counts of interference relating to robberies at 10 different Metro PCS stores between Jan. 25 - Feb. 21 in San Diego County.

According to the indictment, the losses to the 10 stores were about $50,000 in total.

Officers arrested Caldwell and Soto near the Metro PCS store on Grand Avenue on February 21. 

Investigators say Soto walked out of the store carrying a plastic bag. Caldwell was in a Mercedes outside the store, according to the complaint.

When officers approached to arrest the men, Soto ran into an alley. He was eventually found hiding in a nearby yard and taken into custody, according to the federal complaint.

Investigators said they found nine mobile phones on a walkway, a replica gun in a nearby garage and a little more than $100 in cash.

A Metro PCS employee told San Diego police a man with something covering his face entered the store with a gun drawn and ordered him to the back of the store. The man then took cash from the register, according to the employee.

Both defendants entered not guilty pleas to the charges, Stingley said.

Other Metro PCS stores targeted by Soto and Caldwell were in KensingtonEgger HighlandsNormal Heights, and ClairemontCollege East and San Marcos.

The robbery spree remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call San Diego Police or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

The defendants will appear in court for a hearing on March 27.

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