Harris will be sentenced June 28

Published 11:38 am Wednesday, May 24, 2017

William Morris Harris will learn his sentence in Charlotte County Circuit Court on June 28 in connection with a robbery and home invasion in Aspen reported last April, according to the Charlotte County Commonwealth’s Attorney William “Bill” Green.

Harris, following a jury trial on April 19, was found guilty of the use of a firearm in commission of a robbery and possession of a firearm after conviction of a felony, according to Green.

Harris, of Chester, was found not guilty of robbery of a residence — a charge he faced following the April 17, 2016 incident.

The sentencing hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Green said the jury recommended a seven year active prison sentence: three years for the use of a firearm in the commission of a robbery and four years for the possession of a firearm after conviction of a felony.

Green said he didn’t know what precipitated the not guilty verdict in connection with the robbery charge.

Circuit Court Judge Kimberly S. White will sentence Harris June 28, Green confirmed.

James C. Bell, the defense attorney for Harris, wouldn’t offer comment on the case.

Police say Harris and co-conspirator Alex Leon Roberts were charged following an alleged robbery and home invasion last April on Staunton Hill Road in Aspen.

Police said the two fled the scene of the crime in a vehicle, which was met by deputies in the Phenix area. The two men then fled on foot.

Roberts, of Drakes Branch, pled guilty to the robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon charges and will serve an active sentence of six years with 29 years suspended.

Roberts received 30 years with 26 years suspended on the robbery charge and five years with three years suspended on the felon in possession of a firearm charge, Green said.