A Santa Ana man pleaded guilty Friday to a federal charge for robbing or attempting to rob restaurants in Orange County earlier this year.
Freddie Alexander Lopez, 24, entered a plea in Santa Ana federal court to one count of interference with commerce by robbery. The offenses listed in the plea agreement include the following:
— Jan. 27, Lopez robbed a Subway restaurant in Santa Ana with a knife by demanding that the employee give him cash from the register;
— Jan. 30, the defendant attempted to rob a Subway in Fountain Valley with a knife. On the same day, he robbed a Yum Yum Donuts store in Santa Ana, demanding that the employee empty the register; and
— Feb. 1, Lopez attempted to rob a Subway in Anaheim with a replica firearm by demanding that employee hand over cash.
Officers with the Santa Ana Police Department arrested Lopez on Feb. 6 following a traffic stop. They found what appeared to be the same handgun, knife, mask and glasses used during the robberies, prosecutors said.
Following his arrest, Lopez was released to await trial, but was picked up on the federal charge on April 30. He has been in federal custody since that time.
Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 2, at which time he faces up to 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.