By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

In Ellis County District Court Monday, Shannon Geoffrey Smith, 26, Wilmer, Ala., and Jessie Dewayne Holland, 29, Saraland, Ala., were separately sentenced to 36 months for their involvement in an armed robbery of Casey’s General Store, 213 Washington, Ellis, on Dec. 29.

Following the robbery both men fled the scene, ultimately crashing a stolen vehicle in an attempt to enter Interstate 70 at exit 157, leading to an hours-long manhunt. Both men were captured in the area along with law enforcement finding weapons and cash in the area.

The sentence for both men was recommended as part of plea deals that were entered into last month.

Along with the 36-month sentence, both men were ordered to pay $19 restitution, $438 in court costs and a $400 KBI lab fee.