Franklin County, News
 By  Alison James Published 
4:43 pm Tuesday, June 14, 2016

One granted plea deal for robbery

After a home invasion and armed robbery in Russellville Feb. 24, 2015, the fourth out of five co-defendants pleaded to a settlement this week. 

Preston Behel, 21, was one of five who were arrested following armed robbery at a residence on Vincent Drive in Russellville. Behel was one of the two involved who were determined to have actually entered the residence while armed. He pleaded guilty to robbery first degree.

Franklin County district attorney Joey Rushing said Behel was denied youthful offender status because of the severity of his crime.

He was given a 20 year split sentence and will serve five years in jail with no chance of early parole followed by five years on probation. He will also be responsible for paying his share of restitution.

“The victim was present for the plea negotiations, and I think they and our office were pleased to get a settlement where he was punished with prison time,” Rushing said.

Also on Franklin County Times
Hill addresses challenges before congressional panel
Main, News, Russellville, ...
SMALL WATER SYSTEM
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Eric Hill, general manager of the Russellville Water and Sewer Board, traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to speak before Congress ...
Phil Campbell adopts buildings ordinance
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — Town councilmembers have approved a buildings ordinance which establishes requirements for inspections, notices, hearings and enforcem...
Bendall takes regional role at UNA
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Dr. Natalie Bendall has accepted a regional in-service center director’s role at the University of North Alabama. In her new position a...
Tax season brings relief for workers
Columnists, Opinion
March 4, 2026
Americans across the country are preparing for tax season as W-2s make their way to everyone’s mailboxes. People often compare filling out their tax f...
GFWC clubs support parks system
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
March 4, 2026
When our GFWC Book Lovers Study Club met recently, we focused on something that belongs to all Americans -- the National Park Service. Patricia Cox, c...
Bishop, McCulloch lead RHS softball to 4-1 start
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville varsity softball team successfully opened the 2026 season with a 4-0 start before falling in the fifth game of the week. The Lady Gol...
Belgreen wins 4 of 5
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Belgreen Bulldogs are off to a hot start under new veteran coach Jonathan Raper. After dropping their opener to Dora, the Bulldogs won four straig...
RHS loses 4 in Showdown
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville High baseball team defeated the Hatton Hornets in the home opener, then lost four games in the PB South Alabama Showdown. RHS hosted ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *