Serial knifepoint robber pleads guilty to Nassau spree

Cashmore targeted Seaford, Merrick, Lynbrook businesses

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A homeless man has pleaded guilty to a string of knifepoint robberies committed throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties between February and April 2017.

According to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, Shane Cashmore, 31, pleaded guilty on Jan. 2 to six felony charges stemming from a number of robberies he committed at fast food restaurants and stores while armed with a large knife or machete.

“This defendant participated in a crime spree that terrorized local fast food businesses,” Singas said. “Thanks to the excellent work of the Nassau County and Suffolk County police departments, this defendant was brought to justice and with today’s plea he accepted responsibility for his actions.”

Cashmore was arrested on May 1, 2017, after police caught him and two others attempting to rob a Carvel in Huntington Station. Paul Drab, 26, and Juliana Pantaleone, 31, both of Levittown, were also arrested.

According to Singas, charges against Drab and Pantaleone are still pending.

Police were able to track Cashmore down by attaching a court-ordered GPS device on a sports car they believed to be the getaway car, according to published reports at the time. They were able to find the car by examining license-plate readers and watching footage from surveillance cameras.

In February, Cashmore attempted to rob the Dunkin’ Donuts on Merrick Road in Seaford. He also attempted to rob the North Merrick Subway on April 15, robbed the Game Stop on Sunrise Highway in Merrick on April 11 and the TCBY on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook on April 15.

Cashmore pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree robbery and one of first-degree attempted robbery. He is due in court for sentencing on Feb. 9, and Singas said that her office was recommending a sentence of 18 years in prison.