Carroll woman arrested in 2 Coralville armed robberies

CORALVILLE - A Carroll woman faces up to 50 years in prison for her role in two armed robberies that took place two years ago.

According to Coralville police, Lauvette S. Gentry, 28, and an unnamed co-defendant arranged for a pizza to be delivered Sept. 29, 2017, to 902 21st Ave. Place around 11:42 p.m.

When the delivery driver arrived, the co-defendant approached him with a pistol.

Police said the driver attempted to fight back, but Gentry - also armed with a pistol - pulled the driver into the residence. The driver was pistol-whipped and robbed of his clothing, wallet, phone, glasses and food, police said. He suffered a deep cut in the attack.

In a second robbery around 12:30 a.m. Oct. 12, 2017, police said Gentry arranged for a cab to pick up Michael A. Hobbs Jr., 28, of Cedar Rapids, and drive him to the 900 block of Quarry Road.

When the cabdriver arrived, Landon M. Snerling, 30, of Cedar Rapids, approached him with a handgun and demanded money. Police said Gentry was waiting nearby in a vehicle and drove Hobbs and Snerling away from the robbery.

Gentry faces two counts of first-degree robbery, a Class B felony. Each count carries a potential 25-year prison sentence.

Hobbs was initially charged with first-degree robbery and possession of a firearm as a felon. Court records show the possession charge was dismissed, and he pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery. He is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.

Snerling also faces charges of first-degree robbery and possession of a firearm as a felon. His trial is scheduled for March 31.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com