Lynn man heading to prison for 18 months

SALEM – A Lynn man who admitted robbing two Boston Street businesses during a two-day crime spree to feed his drug addiction last year received 18 months in prison, followed by five years of probation.Ronald J. Hicks, 43, who last lived at 111 Alley St., pleaded guilty to armed robbery and unarmed robbery before Salem Superior Court Judge David A. Lowy Friday morning.Shortly before midnight on Sept. 20, Hicks robbed about $40 from the Li?l Peach at 625 Boston St., while armed with a weapon.About 90 minutes later at 1:10 a.m. on Sept. 21, he stole approximately $40 more from a CVS Store at 102 Boston St.Police arrested Hicks that day following an investigation.The sentence is less than the four to five years in prison sought by prosecutor Karen H. Hopwood.As part of the conditions of his probationary term, Hicks will attend a 6-month substance abuse program at the Salvation Army, consent to random screenings and attend Narcotics Anonymous (NA) six times weekly while under supervision.The judge credited Hicks the 433 days he has spent in jail awaiting trial.