Blue Springs man admits role in robbery spree

A 20-year-old Blue Springs man pleaded guilty Tuesday to taking part in a string of armed business robberies.

Isiah G. Etienne was one of five defendants charged by federal prosecutors in Kansas City with conspiring to hold up four restaurants and the attempted robbery of a motel in late 2014.

Etienne pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery and using a firearm in a violent crime. His sentencing is scheduled for May 10.

He and two other defendants in the case worked at a Chipotle in Blue Springs and used their knowledge of restaurant procedures to carry out the robberies, according to court documents.

They were armed with an AK-47 rifle during the robberies of fast-food restaurants in Lee’s Summit and Independence. Two other co-defendants allegedly robbed the Blue Springs restaurant where Etienne worked, according to court documents.

Etienne was arrested after the attempted robbery of a Kansas City motel.

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Blue Springs man admits role in robbery spree."