A preliminary hearing has been set for two men, who were arrested earlier this year on suspicion of armed robbery at a Viroqua store in December of 2007.

Casey R. Alm, 18, and Gregory P. Fair, 34, Cashton, are to appear in Vernon County Circuit Court on Thursday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m., for their preliminary hearing regarding the Dec. 1, 2007, armed robbery at Mary’s Quik Stop in Viroqua.

On the armed robbery charge, the maximum penalty is 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Alm faces many other felony charges in both Vernon and Monroe counties regarding possible involvement in other burglaries.

According to the criminal complaint for the armed robbery at Mary’s Quik Stop, Fair and Alm together drove to Viroqua on March 5 in a borrowed vehicle hoping to locate aluminum cans to steal. After driving around town for 15 to 45 minutes, Alm left the vehicle, which Fair was driving, and went to Mary's Quik Stop. The clerk on duty told authorities she was approached by a male wearing a black bandanna covering his nose and mouth. The clerk could also see the man was carrying a gun. The man said, "Put the money in the bag or I will shoot you." The clerk could see that the man's finger was on the trigger of the gun.

Alm left the store and returned to the vehicle, which Fair had parked in the area behind DeLap's Oil and Gas Co. The complaint says that Fair told authorities Alm gave him $50 after returning to the vehicle.

The crime occurred during a snow storm that left roads snow covered with little visibility. However, authorities were able to record tire impressions left in the snow and they matched the tires on the get-away vehicle.

A Crimestoppers tip led to the arrest of Fair and Alm.