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Last updated on Monday, February 3, 2014
(WASHINGTON) - Brandon Austin was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday for two armed robberies in 2011.
Austin, 29, was sentenced for robbing Fast Max, 1202 E. Nat'l Hwy., on June 7, 2011, and an attempted robbery on June 11.
The Washington Herald reports, the sentences include over two years served in the Daviess County Security Center. With credit, five years was cut off of the sentence. Judge Dean Sobecki told Austin he can apply for programs with the state Department of Corrections. If he completes the programs, Sobecki said Austin can file for a reduction of his sentence.
Sheriff Jerry Harbstreit and staff from the Daviess County Security Center and Daviess County Community Corrections testified on Austin's behalf.
Austin was one of the first graduates of the RARE program inside the jail. After graduating from the program, he served the jail as a trustee and on the road crew for the department. He also represented the RARE program during a presentation with Harbstreit in Indianapolis.
During testimony, Austin said the act of robbing the Fast Max with a knife was "a stupid, stupid decision."
According to a probable cause affidavit, at 9:38 p.m. on June 7, Austin took a large steak knife, wore an orange hunting mask and walked into the Fast Max. He demanded clerk Travis Medley to give him money. Medley complied and the Austin left the store. On Aug. 11, Austin brought another knife and tried to rob employee Russell Reel. Reel refused and the two started to fight.
When Reel started beating Austin with a club, the robber left the store empty-handed.
Austin told police he gained about $300 in the two robberies.
Washington police requested information in the cases from the public and on Aug. 1, an informant had information Austin could have been involved. After viewing surveillance video, he identified Austin based on the robber's build and movements.
When Austin was served with a search warrant, he admitted to officers he committed the robberies. Austin also admitted to stealing quarters from the Soap Opera laundromat earlier in 2011.
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