By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
The second suspect, Shannon Geoffrey Smith, 26, Wilmer, Alabama, in a robbery of the Casey’s General Store, 213 Washington, Ellis, pleaded no contest during his arraignment in district court Wednesday, the result of a plea deal that recommends 36 months imprisonment for the count of felony robbery.
District judge Glenn Braun found Smith guilty after the plea, with a sentencing tentatively scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 2.
The two men allegedly robbed the store of $336 cash brandishing a semi-automatic handgun and a shotgun on Dec. 29.
After leaving the store the two men the fled east and crashed near exit 157 on Interstate 70. After a manhunt, both suspects were found in the area.
A further search on Jan. 1 found a bundle of money totaling $317 in the area.
While the plea agreement recommends a 36-month sentence, Braun notified Smith that he is not bound to that agreement during sentencing.
Felony Robbery is a level 5 felony and can carry a sentence of up to 136 months and fines of up to $500,000, depending upon the suspect’s criminal history.
Smith could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim and a $400 KBI lab fee.