Jesse James Roberson

WARSAW — Jesse J. Roberson, the 19-year-old from North Webster who robbed an elderly family member, was sentenced today, July 17, in Kosciusko Circuit Court.

Immediately before sentencing, Roberson entered a plea agreement pleading guilty to count one armed robbery, a level three felony, and count three burglary, a level two felony.

According to court documents, officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department spoke with the victim on April 11. The victim advised he and his wife were sleeping when two men in black entered into their bedroom. One of the men held a shotgun and used it to threaten the victim’s wife’s life until the victim opened his safes, one containing money and there other firearms. The victim advised that the man with the shotgun did all the talking and he believed the silent burglar was a family member who briefly resided at the residence, as he knew where the safes were located.

The men stole $750 in cash, six firearms, jewelry and prescription medications.

After putting the stolen items into a pillowcase and a green bag, the robber with the shotgun had the victim and his wife lay face down on the bed. The victim thought at that time he was going to be executed. The men then left.

As police investigated, the silent robber was identified as Roberson. Initially his accomplice was identified as Daniel Edgar, Topeka, but his charges were later dropped and Roberson admitted to falsely accusing him. Matthew Michael Morris, 38, Millersburg, was then arrested as the second suspect in the robbery. Cody Stuckman, 22, North Webster, is still facing charges for driving Roberson and Morris to the scene, dropping them off and then picking them up.

Before sentencing began Prosecutor Daniel Hampton asked Roberson if he was the one who planned the robbery. He stated that he was. Roberson also stated that he was remorseful for what had happened and was ready to make it right.

Judge Michael Reed sentenced Roberson to nine years at the Indiana Department of Corrections for armed robbery, and 10 years at the IDOC for burglary. Those sentences will be served concurrently, meaning at the same time.

Roberson is currently serving time for a felony charge out of Berrien County, Mich. His sentencing in Kosciusko will be served consecutively to his Michigan sentence.