A young Augusta man who joined in a 2019 crime spree that included mugging eight pedestrians pleaded guilty Thursday, Oct. 27.
Antonio D. Bryant, 21, admitted he and Kevin Roberson, 28, committed a series of crimes Aug. 24-29, 2019. In all, the pair faced 34 criminal charges. Thursday, Bryant pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to three counts of armed robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer. The agreement capped any potential prison term at 15 years.
In each of the robberies, the victims were confronted by two masked men, one carrying a pistol and the second carrying a shotgun. In one case the victim reported hearing a gunshot when he ran away, and a second the victim was pistol whipped, said Assistant District Attorney Jarryd Brown, who inherited the case from another prosecutor who made the plea offer.
Defense attorney Savanna Moody asked the judge to consider the mandatory minimum sentence for armed robbery, 10 years. Bryant’s childhood provided little if any security and support, but Bryant has a good heart and can become a good citizen, she said.
Bryant apologized for what he had done. “I just want the chance to get out and do the right thing … To make someone proud of me.”
Chief Judge Daniel J. Craig sentenced Bryant to 15 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation.
Roberson was convicted of the armed robberies last year. He is serving a sentence of life in prison.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
