Javon Hurston, a 35-year-old Ypsilanti Township man, was sentenced to up to 10 years in Prison on Monday May 20 for his role in the robbery of a graduation party last year. In April, Hurston pleaded no contest to numerous criminal charges; thirteen of those charges will be dismissed including one count of first-degree home invasion, five counts of assault with intent to rob while armed, and seven counts of armed robbery.
According to a news article at Annarbor.com, Hurston was sentenced by Judge Darlene O’Brien to 35 months to five years for carrying a concealed weapon, two years for felony firearm, two years for possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and up to five years for one count of felon in possession of a weapon.
The graduation party was being held in an apartment on June 4, 2012. Hurston testified that at approximately 2:30 a.m., he and an unidentified man were outside in the area of the apartment when two women approached the two men and wanted to buy marijuana. Hurston and the other man were armed and attempted to rob the women, who didn’t have anything to offer the two men according to Sgt. Geoff Fox of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.
After forcing the women to take them to the apartment where the graduation party was being held, Hurst and the other suspect allegedly stole cell phones, money, jewelry, and drugs from those attending the party while brandishing weapons.
Erika Julien, Hurston’s court-appointed lawyer, called the case a “hot mess,” saying that the graduation party was packed with drunk kids, and that race may have played a role. Julien indicated that some of the individuals who were at the party exaggerated what happened, making the situation sound worse than it actually was. She also contends that the two women outside of the apartment invited Hurston and the unidentified man up to the party, and that others who were in attendance seemed to object. Hurston is biracial; the man who was with him was black according to the news report.
While the details of the incident remain unclear, it looks as though Hurston will be spending a substantial period of time behind bars.
Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that in situations involving young people and drugs or alcohol, things often get out of control. Regardless of what actually happened, it is critical that any individual who is accused of robbery or the other offenses mentioned above consult with a skilled and capable attorney immediately.
If you have been arrested for or charged with home invasion, armed or unarmed robbery or any theft offense, contact a seasoned Michigan criminal defense attorney right away.