Three women rob Ronan Town Pump

A Ronan Town Pump employee ended her shift in the hospital after attempting to stop a robbery in progress in 2014.

Her assailant and two other women faced court arraignment for felony robbery this month, none of which arrived to plead not guilty.

Roylee Conica, Shirley and Shelly Felsman attempted to rob Ronan Town Pump Jan. 6, 2014.

The incident began after the three women arrived at the Ronan Town Pump, and sent Shelly Felsman into the store to cause a distraction, a Lake County Court affidavit said.

Shelly Felsman fell down at the back of the store, breaking a jar of salsa during her decent and claimed she was having an active diabetic fit.

Two clerks were on duty at the time, one of which ran to Felsman’s side and one who stayed behind the counter, which was located by the door at that time.  

The clerk behind the counter called emergency dispatch.

Prosecutors allege that when Shelly Felsman’s diabetic fit ploy did not distract both clerks from their positions, Shelly Felsman called off emergency responders and left the store, sitting down outside by the door, watching inside of the store from the glass front, paperwork said.

Shirley Felsman, also in the store, left the building, jumped in her car and backed it up to the front door while Shelly continued to watch from outside as Shirley returned to the store, grabbed an eight-pack of beer, then ran from the store to her car without paying.

One of the store clerks followed Shirley Felsman trying to recover the stolen beer.

When the clerk arrived at the suspects’ card door, Roylee Conica walked up behind the clerk, grabbed her from behind and threw her to the cement, injuring the clerk, the affidavit said.

All three women fled the scene and the clerk was transported to St. Luke Community Hospital for treatment.

Though justice took about 18 months to progress into district court, the three women did not cooperate.

Conica, scheduled for arraignment Aug. 5, did not arrive for her court date and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Shelly and Shirley Felsman were scheduled for arraignment Aug. 13 and did not arrive for their court dates. Warrants were issued for their arrests. All three women are charged with felony robbery.

Shirley Felsman has a past criminal record in the Montana Department of Corrections.

UPDATE: Shirley Felsman was arrested Aug. 25 for felony robbery and felony solicitation and sits in Lake County Court.