An Augusta man accused of forcing his way into an ex-girlfriend’s home where he tried to drag her outside and clobbered her with a chair pleaded guilty Monday, March 18, to reduced charges.
Through a plea agreement, 38-year-old Trevier Jones agreed to cap his potential time in prison to no more than eight years. Judge Jesse Stone said in sentencing Jones that while some punishment might be necessary it wasn’t eight years.
Stone sentenced Jones to three years in prison followed by five years on probation for false imprisonment, battery and burglary. Jones was originally charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault and burglary, crimes that could carry a life in prison sentence.
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The offense occurred March 31, 2020. After failing to gain entry to the victim’s Telfair Street apartment by pushing out an air-conditioning unit, Jones forced his way in through the front door, said Assistant District Attorney Larry Smith.
Defense attorney Greg Gelpi told the judge the victim in the case expressed no thoughts as to Jones’ sentencing. The two had been in a relationship off and on since 2010, Gelpi said, and Jones often looked after the victim’s child while she was away.
Jones will get credit for the near-two years he has been held in jail without bond.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
