Two home invasions net 58-year prison term

A Philadelphia man was sentenced to more than 58 years in federal prison Tuesday for two violent home-invasion robberies against two Asian business owners and their families in 2008.

Clarence Powell, 23, was convicted in February of following two store owners from their Philadelphia businesses to their homes in Broomall and Upper Darby. Powell and codefendants Michael Lassiter and Troy Hill forced their way into the homes, tied up the businessmen and members of their families, and threatened them with handguns and a sawed-off shotgun. They stole money and other property, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Lassiter and Hill pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 30 and 22 years, respectively. Alexis Byrd-Arroyo, who was the driver during the robberies, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years. - Allison Steele