GOSHEN — A man charged with robbery appeared for his initial hearing Thursday, March 7, at the Elkhart Circuit Court.

Jacob Estep, 23, of Elkhart, was arrested Feb. 28 following a robbery at Days Inn at 2820 Cassopolis St., Elkhart, Thursday morning.

Police said witnesses told them Estep entered the hotel and demanded money before 4 a.m. He took about $100 and left. Some of the witnesses ran after Estep following the robbery. Police found Estep at Red Roof Inn, which is just next to Days Inn.

Estep made admissions that connected him to several robberies within the area.

Earlier in February Police arrested Abigail Pifer and Nicholas Chaplin in connection to two robberies on the north side of Elkhart County. They were charged with robbery while armed with a deadly weapon.

Estep is being formally charged with robbery, a Class B felony. He faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.

Estep was assigned an attorney from the public defender’s office for his case. His trial has been scheduled for June 24, 2013.