FNN Article Update © Friday, May 1, 2026. Written with PSP Release & Court Records. (Click on image to enlarge). Update September 29, 2026.
CANTON, PA — (Update) Sentencing of 24-year-old Joseph Ryan Williams of Towanda, PA, took place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, for the armed robbery at the Canton Smoke Shop back in late January that he had admitted doing during an interview with state police. However, a release on Williams sentence from the Bradford County District Attorney was not issued until Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Williams was sentenced between 1 year and nine months up to seven years in state prison. He was also ordered to pay $367 in restitution, according to a release from the Bradford County District Attorney’s office.
Looking Back at the crime – Williams entered the store on Friday, January 30, 2026, and threatened clerk Imaliz Perez-Batista with a handgun during the robbery. He demanded all of the money as he placed a small handgun on the counter, according to a criminal complaint filed by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Matthew Santiago. Williams took off with $367 in cash and grabbed multiple boxes of mango- and grape-flavored Kratom.
Williams had worn a mask and reflective sunglasses during the robbery that evening, according to the District Attorney’s office. Police were able to identify Williams and locate him through video surveillance that showed him traveling to a residence he often frequented.
Williams had pleaded guilty to felony robbery. But the following charges had been dismissed and include; another felony robbery charge, along with three misdemeanor charges of theft, reckless endangerment and simple assault related to the crime.
Many say the sentence should be stricter and that Williams should not be able to simply get out in a few years. It is felt that he should have received the maximum sentence for his crimes.
CANTON, PA – (FNN Original Article) – A Towanda man has been charged after he allegedly admitted to the robbery of the Canton Smoke Shop back on Friday, January 30, 2026.
According to PA State Police, 24-year-old Joseph Ryan Williams of Towanda, was said to have entered the Lycoming Street business in Canton, PA, around 3:00 PM wearing a face mask, black beanie and gold reflective sunglasses. It was stated that Williams allegedly approached the store clerk, demanding money, while placing his handgun on the counter.
The female clerk told State Police that she gave Williams all the cash in the register, which held approximately $367. Next Williams was said to have (allegedly) taken multiple boxes of mango and grape-flavored Kratom and then fled the scene.
State Police reported that Williams was able to be identified as a suspect through the store’s video surveillance footage. The video showed the suspect traveling to a residence frequented by Williams.
Williams would end up (allegedly) admitting to the robbery at the store during a police interview he had agreed to have. Police also noted that Williams (allegedly) provided police officers with information as to the whereabouts of the handgun he used during the robbery.
According to court records, Williams was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Ryan Edsel. He was remanded in the Bradford County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000 monetary bail, which he could not pay at the time.
Williams was charged with the following –
* First Degree Felony – Robbery.
* First Degree Misdemeanor – Theft by Unlawful Taking Movable Property.
* Second Degree Misdemeanor – Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
* Second Degree Misdemeanor – Simple Assault.
Joseph Williams’ preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM before Magisterial District Judge Allen P. Page III.
FNN has provided court records.
Williams is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law (although he allegedly admitted to committing the crime).
Click on records to enlarge for easier viewing.
