Appeal Filed for Youth Convicted of Robberies

Attorneys for a teenager sentenced to 12 years in prison in a controversial robbery case filed an appeal Monday, arguing that the boy’s first lawyer failed to interview several witnesses who could have provided solid alibis.

Arthur Carmona, 17, is being held at a California Youth Authority facility in Ione, near Sacramento. He is expected to be transferred to an adult prison within weeks of when he turns 18.

Carmona, who had no criminal record, was arrested nearly two years ago and charged with the robbery of an Irvine juice bar and with the robbery of a Costa Mesa restaurant two days before the Irvine incident. He was convicted of both crimes at a single trial.

Since his conviction, two jurors and a key witness in the case have publicly expressed doubts about Carmona’s guilt. His cause has drawn attention from many community leaders who believe he is innocent and that he was prosecuted on faulty evidence.

The 4th District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana is expected to hear the case within six months.