By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — A Rowan County man involved in a 2009 home invasion at a Stevens Drive home pleaded guilty to burglary and robbery today.
Jason Glenn Locklear, 23, accepted an Alford plea in Rowan County Superior Court and was sentenced to not less than four years.
An Alford plea allows the defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging prosecutors have sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction.
Locklear was convicted of first-degree burglary and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The District Attorney’s Office dismissed the manufacturing marijuana charge.
Salisbury Police say Ray and Martha Baker were bound, beaten and robbed in their home July 27, 2009.
According to court statements, the victims were known to co-defendant, Sarah Patterson.
Two people entered the home, beat Ray, pointed a gun at Martha and took some items from the home.
The suspects asked for hydrocodone, court statements said.
Judge Kevin Bridges sentenced Locklear to 53 months to 73 months in the N.C. Department of Correction. As well as restitution and substance abuse treatment and job training.
Locklear’s attorney Darrin Jordan said the only thing that implicated his client was co-defendant Christopher Philyaw’s statement.
Locklear denied being in the home, Jordan said.
He admitted his client as well as the co-defendants had problems with drug use.
Co-defendants Christopher Philyaw and Sarah Patterson are expected in court later this week.
See Friday’s Post for more details.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.