Two Arrested for String of Armed Robberies
Two people from Lancaster were arrested on August 10 for armed robberies in the City of Santa Barbara that dated back to January 5. Carlos Rio Sosa Jr., 42, and Ana Maria Espinosa, 39, were charged in connection with four incidents involving seven victims, the most recent on August 2, stated Sergeant Joshua Morton, a spokesperson for the Santa Barbara Police Department. They were apprehended by police at the intersection of Islay and Bath without incident.
Sosa’s charges include firearm assault and possession, personal identity possession, and dissuading a witness. Espinosa was book on robbery and conspiracy. Both were charged with child endangerment and are held in Santa Barbara County Jail, Sosa on $1 million bail, Espinosa on $50,000. The investigation is in the hands of the District Attorney’s Office, said Morton, and further information on the robberies will be released as appropriate.