BIG RAPIDS — A Mecosta man and former gas station manager was convicted Thursday of armed robbery and 10 other felony counts related to a 2023 heist in Big Rapids. A jury in the 49th Circuit Court found Robert T. Yarhouse, 47, guilty following a three-day trial.
The conviction follows an investigation into the Nov. 4, 2023, robbery of the Admiral Gas Station located at 805 N. State St. Yarhouse was identified as a person of interest due to his previous employment at the facility and investigators later linked him to the crime through DNA and physical evidence.
The robbery occurred on Nov. 4, 2023, at approximately 6:38 a.m. Officers were dispatched to the gas station after reports that a suspect entered the establishment and brandished a firearm. The individual then fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of currency.
Investigators identified Yarhouse as a person of interest early in the case because he was a former manager of the station. At the time of his arrest, authorities found Yarhouse in possession of several hundred dollars. He also possessed a firearm that matched the description of the weapon used during the commission of the robbery.
The investigation utilized physical evidence to link the suspect to the crime scene. Forensic teams substantiated the involvement of Yarhouse through DNA evidence recovered during the course of the investigation.
Detective Sergeant David Flore served as the lead investigator for the case. He noted that the conviction was the result of a multi-agency partnership. “We remained steadfast in our commitment to resolving this case and ensuring accountability for those responsible,” Flore said. “This successful prosecution was the result of a rigorous collaborative effort. We extend our gratitude to the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police, the MSP Computer Crimes Unit, the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center and the Mecosta County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their invaluable assistance.”
In addition to the armed robbery conviction, the jury found Yarhouse guilty of several other felonies. The charges included five counts of felony firearm, two counts of safe breaking and one count of unlawful imprisonment. He was also convicted of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a concealed weapon.
Sentencing for Yarhouse is scheduled for a later date in the 49th Circuit Court.