Assault, robbery suspect sentenced

By Staff

Published: October 2, 2008

WENTWORTH — A man accused of felonious assault and robbery pleaded guilty to the charges Thursday in Rockingham County Superior Court.

Tony Maurice Williamson, 35, received multiple sentences as a habitual felon, totaling 27 to 34 years in prison, according to the Rockingham County District Attorney. Williamson pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and two counts of robbery.

Williamson entered the Hammer’s Mart store on Scales Street on Aug. 5, 2007, and acted as though he was going to buy something, a news release from the DA’s office says. He went around the checkout counter and tried to rob two clerks, attacking them with a beer bottle and scissors, the release said.

A surveillance video and a 911 call led Reidsville detectives to the defendant. Both clerks suffered serious injuries. A part of one of the clerk’s ears was cut off in the attack, the release said.

Authorities arrested Williamson, and Reidsville detectives thought they recognized him from an Aug. 3, 2007, robbery at the Wal-Mart in Reidsville.

In that incident, the release said, Williamson acted as though he was buying items and told the cashier he had a gun. If she screamed he would shoot, he said, according to the DA. Williamson left with cash, cigarettes and other items. A surveillance system taped the incident.

“The video surveillance system was effective in apprehending the defendant and showing the level of violence he engaged in that evening,” said Julia Hejazi, chief district attorney.

District Attorney Phil Berger Jr., “This case demonstrates the importance of video surveillance equipment to our businesses and the law-enforcement community. The relatively inexpensive technology can serve as a deterrent to crime and an effective law-enforcement tool.”

—From staff reports