Opinion ID: 2377254
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Variance Between Information and Proof at Trial

Text: In his attack on the robbery of the beer distributorship (No. 1492), appellant claims that the information varied from the proof offered at trial. The information stated as follows: The actor, in the course of committing a theft, namely, taking $25.00 threatened William Foglia with immediate serious bodily injury or intentionally put that person in fear of serious bodily injury in violation of Section 3701(a)(1)(ii) of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Act of December 6, 1972, 18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 3701(a)(1)(ii). Appellant notes that according to the Commonwealth's evidence, he pointed the gun at Ms. Amen, who then handed him the money. The evidence also established that appellant pointed a gun at Mr. Foglia, who denied having a wallet and did not surrender any money to appellant. Appellant asserts that the Commonwealth proved he was guilty only of attempted robbery of Mr. Foglia, not robbery. Consequently, he argues, because the evidence at trial differed substantially from the language in the indictment, the evidence was insufficient to convict him of robbery. Appellant's argument has no basis in law or fact. Pursuant to the robbery statute, 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3701(a)(1)(ii), a person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he . . . threatens another with or intentionally puts him in fear of immediate serious bodily injury. An act shall be deemed `in the course of committing a theft' if it occurs in an attempt to commit theft. 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3701(a)(2) (emphasis added). A criminal attempt is found where a person, while possessing the intent to commit a crime, does an act which constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of that crime. 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 901(a). Appellant's argument is undermined by these statutory provisions. Assuming appellant is correct in concluding that he is guilty of only attempted robbery, he, nonetheless, could be convicted for robbery in view of the express language of Sec. 3701(a)(2). A review of the record reveals more than adequate proof to sustain the conviction for robbery pursuant to that provision. Viewed in a light most favorable to the Commonwealth, Commonwealth v. Peterkin, 511 Pa. 299, 306-07, 513 A.2d 373, 376 (1986), the evidence established the following. On September 18, 1980, Mr. Foglia was sitting outside of the beer distributorship which was owned by his friend, Ms. Amen. Appellant approached and asked for the price of some beer. Mr. Foglia went inside and appellant followed. Mr. Foglia went to another part of the room to get the beer and, upon his return, saw Ms. Amen giving money to appellant while appellant pointed a gun at her. Appellant then pointed the gun at Mr. Foglia and ordered him to hand over his wallet. Mr. Foglia stated that he had no wallet. At gunpoint, appellant ordered the victims to walk to the cellar. While pointing the gun at Mr. Foglia's back, appellant again demanded his wallet. Mr. Foglia again denied having a wallet. Appellant then locked the victims in the cellar. (N.T. No. 1492 June 3-4, 1981 at 24-35.) During the course of this incident, appellant forced Ms. Amen to give him $25.00 from the cash drawer. (N.T. 66-67.) We have no doubt that the evidence is more than sufficient to support the robbery conviction. Appellant repeatedly pointed the gun at Mr. Foglia and demanded his wallet. These acts, beyond doubt, put Mr. Foglia in fear of immediate serious bodily injury. The substantial-step requirement was satisfied by the armed demand for the victim's wallet. Neither the fact that (appellant) did not inflict bodily injury nor that (appellant was) unsuccessful in obtaining the victim's money was controlling. An aggressive act intended to place the victim in fear that he was in danger of immediate physical harm was sufficient to elevate an attempted theft to robbery. Commonwealth v. Leatherbury, 326 Pa.Super. 179, 184, 473 A.2d 1040, 1042 (1984). Nor do we find that the proof at trial varied substantially from the information. Appellant was charged with and had notice to defend one count of robbery [5] pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3701(a)(1)(ii). It was clear that the charge arose from the incident at the beer distributorship. Being bound to that charge, the Commonwealth presented proof at trial which solely supported that statutory provision. Contrary to appellant's assertions, the Commonwealth did not deviate from its initial position; the proof was consistent with the information.