Police arrest three more suspects in poker game robbery

Three brothers accused of helping a former state trooper in robbing participants in a high-stakes poker game have been arrested, police said.

State troopers and Philadelphia city police arrested the men Friday morning at a residence in Philadelphia.

The suspects were identified as Addae C. Powell, 26, Jeffrey N. Powell, 30, and Akua N. Powell, 22. Upon their return to Delaware, the men will face charges including robbery, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, authorities said.

Similar charges have been lodged against former trooper HyunJim Kim, who was arrested March 3 in connection with the Feb. 22 robbery at Wild Quail Country Club near Wyoming.

According to investigators, three masked men armed with handguns and a shotgun burst into the clubhouse and confronted a dozen people, including Kim, who were playing poker. The card players were ordered to lie on the ground, where they were bound and had their faces covered. Investigators said two of the victims were assaulted and received minor injuries.

The suspects stole about $10,000, as well as cell phones, credit cards and keys from the victims before fleeing in a car.

Authorities said Kim left the scene before investigators arrived, but they subsequently learned from another player that Kim had been involved in the game.

Investigators later identified Kim as one of two men caught on a store security tape on the day of the poker game buying pillowcases similar to those used to cover the victims' faces. A search of his car and home resulted in the seizure of additional evidence indicating his involvement in the robbery, according to authorities.

State police said Jeffrey Powell and Kim were close friends who attended Temple University together and served in the military with one another.

Authorities are still searching for a fifth subject.

News Added: 22 March, 2008

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