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In a court ruling that underscores the seriousness of violent crime, a local man identified as a ‘career offender’ has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a brazen armed carjacking that occurred last year. The sentence was handed down by Judge Melissa Hardy, who emphasized the need for stronger deterrents against repeat offenders.
The defendant, 38-year-old Marcus Greene, was found guilty of using a firearm to threaten a victim during the carjacking incident outside a convenience store. Prosecutors painted a harrowing picture of the crime, showing the chilling moments captured on surveillance video, where Greene approached the victim, brandished a gun, and demanded their vehicle.
Following the armed robbery, Greene fled the scene in the stolen car but was apprehended shortly thereafter following a police chase. Authorities linked him to several previous offenses, which classified him under the state’s career offender law, subjecting him to harsher penalties due to his extensive criminal record.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim provided a powerful impact statement, detailing the emotional trauma they endured as a result of the incident. “I live in fear every day since it happened,” they said, urging the court to impose a severe sentence to reflect the severity of Greene’s actions.
As Greene was led away from the courtroom, his defense team expressed disappointment, arguing for a lighter sentence based on his troubled past. However, the judge reiterated the importance of protecting the community and sending a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated.
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