Dracut Man Indicted For Christmas Eve Tewksbury, Lowell Robberies

TEWKSBURY, MA — A Dracut man was indicted Thursday in federal court in connection with three armed robberies at Lowell and Tewksbury convenience stores on Dec. 24, 2020.

Michael Vanqpa, 32, was indicted on three counts of interfering with commerce by robbery and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Vangpa was charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 21 and has been in federal custody since, prosecutors said.

According to federal prosecutors, Vangpa robbed two convenience stores in Lowell and one in Tewksbury within an hour on Dec. 24, 2020.

"In each of the robberies, Vangpa allegedly brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store clerks," prosecutors said in a news release.

The U.S. Attorney also alleges that Vangpa fired the gun during one of the robberies.

Vangpa could face up to 20 years in prison for the charge of interference with commerce by robbery and up to life in prison for the charge of firing a gun in furtherance of a crime of violence.

All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.