WICHITA – A federal grand jury Tuesday returned an indictment charging a Wichita man with brandishing firearms during robberies at two local hotels, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said in a news release.

Darrell E. Black, 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of commercial robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.

The indictment alleges that on May 27, 2017, Black robbed the Extended Stay America at 9450 E. Corporate Hills, and on May 29, 2017, he robbed the Days Inn and Suites at 7321 E. Kellogg, both in Wichita.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Robbery: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Brandishing a firearm: Not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Felon in possession of a firearm: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.