A dozen friends and family members were there for support as a Marietta man was sentenced to a year in prison Thursday for a planned attack and robbery of a friend's stepfather.
Jacob Rowe, 21, of 127 Ohio Blvd., pleaded guilty Aug. 23 to third-degree robbery. On Dec. 6, Rowe was one of three men involved in an attempt to incapacitate a friend's stepfather and rob his home, said Washington County Prosecutor Jim Schneider.
"Even though this was the offender's first adult felony, the scheme in this case involved a planned assault upon the victim, in this case with the objective of rendering him unconscious so that his stepson could enter the home and access valuables which were believed to be there," said Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge Susan Boyer after handing down her sentence.
Article Photos
JASMINE ROGERS The Marietta Times
Jacob Rowe, left, stands and asks for mercy during Thursday’s sentencing. Rowe, pictured with Attorney Eric Fowler, was sentenced to a year in prison for a December attack on a friend’s stepfather.
Two area 22-year-olds were also implicated in the crime. Timothy M. Ryan, of Marietta, the stepson of victim Bernard Hurst, pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony for robbery and was sentenced to three years in prison, said Schneider.
Christopher P. Cook, listed as homeless, who also pleaded to a second-degree felony charge of robbery, is scheduled to be sentenced today.
The three men failed in their attempt to render Hurst unconscious and fled the scene, but Hurst was injured in his attempt to stave them off, said Boyer.
Rowe and his attorney, Eric Fowler, both pleaded for leniency.
"I've never had a client show so much remorse. He does feel horrible about his actions," said Fowler.
Rowe stood up and gave a seemingly well-rehearsed statement of his own, apologizing to Hurst, who was not present, for harming him. He also apologized to the judge, the court and the community for the time and money consumed due to his activities.
"During my incarceration I've used my time to reflect on how my drug addiction has led me down the path of self-destruction and done nothing but cause hurt and negativity to my family, my friends and everyone around me. I beg your honor for mercy," he concluded.
Rowe has been a habitual user of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, prescription pills and heroin, with opiates being his drug of choice, said Boyer.
Fowler also pointed to the tremendous showing of family support and asked if Rowe's sister could make a statement on his behalf, but Boyer denied the request with a curt "no."
Rowe was indicted in April for first-degree felony aggravated burglary during a separate incident. In July 2011 in Stanleyville, Rowe allegedly brandished a firearm during a drug deal which had gone bad, said Schneider.
"We were dealing with about six or seven individuals all of whom were either dealing drugs or buying drugs and law enforcement could not get a real handle on exactly what happened," said Schneider.
Because officers had trouble pinning down the stories, and because Rowe was cooperative with information about the Dec. 6 incident, the first-degree felony charge will likely be dropped, said Schneider.
Rowe will serve his year-long sentence in the Orient Correctional Reception Center and will receive credit for 122 days served.
Boyer gave Rowe one final brusque admonishment.
"This is an extremely grievous offense for which prison is appropriate," she said before adjourning.
