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.