Rick Patrick
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
A robbery and pursuit that included a high-speed chase at speeds of 100 miles per hour, or more, has concluded with a Madison County man being sentenced to 30 years in prison.
According to a report from the Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2021, a subject, later identified as Edward Hamilton, Jr., entered a Pinetta store and made a purchase. After making his purchase, he remained near the cash register as other customers made their purchases. At one point, Hamilton reached over the counter and grabbed cash currency that was sitting on the counter and sprinted for the exit door. Hamilton entered a black Acura and fled the scene. The store clerk called 911 and reported the incident. A female witness told MCSO deputies that the car had a temporary tag, beginning with “AA.”
In the early morning hours of Nov. 7, 2021, deputies from the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office initiated a pursuit of a fleeing subject from a convenience store in Live Oak, Fla. This subject fit the description of a subject who had committed an armed robbery at the same store, two days prior. This pursuit was joined by the Florida Highway Patrol as it made its way into the City of Madison, where the subject was stopped and apprehended. The vehicle was a black Acura, matching the description of the vehicle from the Pinetta robbery.
Upon investigation of the vehicle, a small, clear bag of powder cocaine was observed in plain view on the front driver's seat, as well as other items that could be evidence from both robberies. After reviewing the surveillance footage of the Pinetta robbery, along with further investigation, it was determined that the person who committed the Pinetta robbery matched the person who committed the Suwannee robbery. After watching the surveillance videos, investigators were able to determine that the subject was Edward Hamilton, Jr.
Hamilton was charged with robbery by sudden snatching; grand theft of more than $300, but less than $5,000, (the amount of money taken from the counter of the store was $800) and possession of cocaine.
Hamilton had his day in court in front of Judge Melissa Gates Olin on Wednesday, Aug. 10. When the case came before the Court, the State chose to file a “Notice of Nolle Prosequi,” which translates to “will no longer prosecute,” on the possession charge. This means the State chose not to seek prosecution on that particular charge. Hamilton chose to plead “open to the court,” on the robbery count, which basically meant he was pleading guilty and throwing himself on the mercy of the court. Hamilton was sentenced to 30 years on the first charge and five years on the second charge. The two sentences are to be served concurrently. Hamilton had 277 days of jail credit for time served in the Madison County Jail. It was also ordered that his driver's license be suspended for one year and six months.