WORTHINGTON - Joseph Tokpa, 18, of Worthington, was arrested Friday for his alleged role in a robbery at the Thompson Apartments July 14. Two other men suspected in the case, Bobby Martin and Ojulu Omot, were arrested the day of the alleged incident.
According to court documents, at approximately 4:33 p.m. July 14 Worthington police officers were informed of a robbery in progress near the Thompson Apartments and El Mexicano No. 3 restaurant. The suspects, described as three African-American men, were seen running near Third Avenue and 11th Street.
Multiple witnesses confirmed three men left the building, but only Martin and Omot were detained and arrested by police. The third man was not found.
The next day, one of the investigating officers went back to the Thompson Apartments to obtain video surveillance to help determine the identity of the third suspect. The video footage revealed a third black male with Martin and Omot wearing slip on sandals and a blue jean vest. The video also showed the three men running from the building with the unidentified suspect running ahead of his accomplices.
After viewing the tape, the officer identified the third male as Tokpa based on prior contacts. A search warrant was obtained for Tokpa’s residence. During the execution of the search warrant, the officer located a black herb grinder with marijuana remnants on the couch and a marijuana pipe on the television stand.
Tokpa was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to give a statement. Ge admitted to being at the Thompson Apartments with Martin and Omot on the day of the alleged robbery.
Topka also indicated that he was wearing clothing that matched the clothes observed in the surveillance footage. He said he only ran out of the apartment building because Martin and Omot were.
After being placed under arrest and while being transported to the Nobles County Jail, Tokpa was reported to utter statements that “this is stupid” and he knew he “should have never run with them,” as well as “this was all over $60 worth of weed.”
Tokpa, along with Martin and Omot, are charged with three felonies, five misdemeanors and one petty misdemeanor relating to the incident.
The charges of simple robbery and aid and abet simple robbery each carry a penalty of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine or both. The additional felony count of attempted simple robbery carries a penalty of not more than half of the maximum imprisonment or fine or both.
The theft and aid and abet theft misdemeanors each carry a penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. The attempted theft misdemeanor carries a penalty of not more than half of the maximum imprisonment or fine or both. The fifth-degree assault and fifth-degree aid and abet assault charges, both misdemeanors, also carry penalties of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine or both. Finally, the petty misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession is a fine of up to $300.
All three men will make their initial appearances in Nobles County District Court next week.
