Armed robbery suspect pleads not guilty

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – A man charged in connection with a suspected armed robbery earlier this month has pleaded not guilty.

Toby Bernal, 34, was arraigned Friday on home invasion and armed robbery charges. He’s accused of robbing a man at the victim’s home in Normal on May 8 with Katie Welch, 26.

The two are accused of pointing the victim’s gun at his own head before taking the gun, along with the victim’s wallet, cellphone and prescription drugs.

Welch pleaded not guilty last week. Both are due in court next month for status hearings.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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