A Clearfield County man has been charged in connection with two armed robberies last year at convenience stores in Philipsburg.

State police in Philipsburg filed felony robbery charges Thursday against Monroe Bell, 28, of Grassflat. They also charged Jason McGonigal, 26, of Woodland, in connection with one of the incidents.

In criminal complaints filed Thursday, police alleged Bell walked into the Mini-Mart on North Front Street on Oct. 22, pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded cash and cigarettes.

He made off with $300 and a carton of cigarettes. Police said the weapon used in the robbery turned out to be a BB gun.

Then on Dec. 20, Bell robbed the Puff Super Value Tobacco store on South Front Street. Brandishing a knife, he stole more than $700 and two cartons of cigarettes, according to police.

Police said McGonigal conspired with Bell to commit the December robbery, keeping watch outside the store.

The men face felony robbery charges and misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and simple assault.

Bell was placed in the Centre County Correctional Facility after failing to post $100,000 bail, according to court documents. McGonigal is in the Clearfield County jail, also on $100,000 bail.

Matt Carroll can be reached at 231-4631. Follow him on Twitter @Carrollreporter.