ACTION 8 UPDATE: Suspect faces federal charges in robbery of owner of Jim Massey’s Cleaners

ACTION 8 UPDATE: A Montgomery man is charged with federal crimes in the robbery of Jim Massey, the well-known owner of Jim Massey’s Cleaners.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama says 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes was arrested this week on charges of armed robbery, carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a federal crime of violence.

As Action 8 News has reported, the robbery took place at around 6PM on March 10 at Massey’s office on South Street downtown. He gave Action 8 News a detailed account of what happened to him as he was attacked and robbed. He said he was grateful to be alive.

Investigators say they were looking for four suspects. Court records say Sykes was the leader and the robbery had been planned for months. Records say the suspects wore clothing to make it appear they worked for Alabama Power.

A total of between $6,000 to $8,000 was stolen during the robbery.

Massey owns a large number of dry cleaning locations throughout the area. The family-owned business has been in operation since 1941.

The United States District Court in Montgomery unsealed Sykes’ criminal complaint today. If convicted on all charges, Sykes faces a sentence of seven years to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

The arrest took place after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Task Force, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

Sykes will make his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.