Two men who robbed a string of 7-Eleven stores at gunpoint in 2003 were sentenced in federal court yesterday, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Hekesi Folaumahina was sentenced to 10 years in prison and Rory Kealii Sitani was sentenced to five years and 11 months in connection with three robberies of 7-Eleven stores in July and December 2003.

Folaumahina, 20, pleaded guilty to committing all three robberies while Sitani, 20, pleaded guilty to the December robbery.

As part of their plea agreements, Folaumahina and Sitani admitted that shortly after midnight on Dec. 16, 2003, they, along with two other people, stole cash, beer and other items totaling about $1,422 from the 7-Eleven at 99-187 'Aiea Heights Drive, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Sitani used a dark-colored handgun that he pointed at the cashier and another employee and demanded money. One of Sitani's accomplices hit a store employee in the head and kicked him in the leg.

According to the plea agreement, Folaumahina also robbed a 7-Eleven at 1755 Nu'uanu Ave. on June 21, 2003, and a 7-Eleven at 1900 Dillingham Blvd. on June 22, 2003. Folaumahina had been arrested and released in connection with the June 22, 2003, robbery when he robbed the 'Aiea 7-Eleven on Dec. 16, 2003, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

The pair was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshall H. Silverberg.