South Carolina man sentenced to 5 years for aggravated robbery

A South Carolina man who said that he robbed the Hillsboro Days Inn at knifepoint in order to get money for his children has been sentenced to five years in prison. 

Darryl Watson, of West Columbia, S.C. pleaded guilty Thursday in Highland County Common Pleas Court to first degree felony aggravated robbery. He had been indicted by a grand jury in August. 

According to Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins, Watson had entered the Hillsboro Days Inn on Harry Sauner Road on July 24, brandished a knife and demanded money. She said that he was cooperative with the Hillsboro Police Department from the beginning, and allowed a search of his Hillsboro apartment. The HPD discovered evidence at the apartment, and Watson then confessed, she said. 

"His criminal record is nonexistent, he has cooperated fully right from the night this occurred. He even wrote me a letter apologizing," Collins said. "He has taken total responsibility. But we have to weigh the seriousness of his actions. He did go into a business in town, demanded money, and did receive money."

Collins said that Watson received approximately $75. The state recommended five years in prison. 

Initially on the plea form the maximum sentence was listed at 11 years in prison. Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss said that the 11 years is under the HB 86 regulations, which went into effect last week and changed Ohio sentencing laws. Coss said that when the offense was committed, the maximum was 10 years. 

"I haven't found a judge yet that believes this is constitutional," Coss said. "Until the Supreme Court says otherwise, I believe the maximum in this case is 10 years."

Defense attorney Jacob Wagoner said that he did not want to attempt to excuse what his client had done, but that he was acting out of desperation to support his children. 

"He had received a call from the mother of his children and she said that if he didn't sent money right away that she was taking the kids to Florida and that he would never see them again," Wagoner said. "He didn't go to Days Inn on the night in question looking for money for his next fix. I have never had such a hard case to argue and win, because he has confessed all along to everything."

Wagoner asked that the court consider a sentence of less than five years. 

Watson addressed the court, saying that he was sorry for his actions.

"I want to apologize to the Hillsboro residents," Watson told the court. "I deserve every day (in prison) that you give me. But if you can find it in your heart to give me a fighting chance to see my kids again, I will leave and not commit any more crimes in this state again."

Coss said that under Ohio law aggravated robbery was considered the most serious offense next to homicide, and that threatening another person with a weapon creates a dangerous situation for all involved, and that there is a great potential for violence. 

"Typically, this court takes offenses like this very seriously and imposes substantial sentences," Coss said. 

Coss noted that it was Watson's first offense, and said that the state's recommendation was half of the amount of time that could be imposed. Coss followed the recommendation and sentenced Watson to five years in prison. He is to begin serving it immediately.