Home invasion robbery of own family leads to 12-year prison sentence for Md. man

ROCKVILLE, Md. - A Montgomery County man is facing 12 years in prison after stealing some sneakers and other items from his own family.

Enoch Melson's troubles started in 2012 after he was arrested and charged for stealing dirt bikes.

"He and an accomplice stole three motocross dirt bikes up in Olney and he was given just five years probation and a chance to rehabilitate himself," said Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office spokesperson Ramon Korionoff.

Two years later, court officials say the 21-year-old lost two pairs of high-end basketball shoes to settle a gambling debt.

"It seems he'd lost this bet playing a video game and decided he couldn't take that loss, so he went and did a home invasion of his half-brother's home to get back those shoes that he had lost as well as steal other electronic items," said Korionoff.

Melson and another man who was in disguise held up the family at gunpoint, stole the items and took off. Melson's family recognized him and called police.

A short time later, police tracked down Melson and started pursuing the car.

"In fact, in the dash cam video, you're able to see people bailing out of the car as they crash into another car parked at a red light in Silver Spring," Korionoff explained.

On Monday, Melson was sentenced to seven years in prison for the armed robbery and home invasion. Add in the five year probation he received for the first crime, Melson is now set to serve 12 years behind bars.