A Gassville man has been sentenced to 10 years of probation and 60 days in jail after pleading guilty to charges connected to an armed robbery earlier this year. Jacob Donald Gray, 21, admitted during a Baxter County Circuit Court appearance on Oct. 12 to entering a home and taking money from one of the residents at gunpoint.
The robbery occurred late on Feb. 2 at a residence on Vivian Drive. According to court documents, Gray knocked on the door shortly before midnight and, when one of the three people present opened it, stood in the doorway wearing a mask and pointing a handgun. Two of the individuals present lived at the home; the third was a visiting neighbor.
Gray reportedly demanded money from one of the residents. After the victim explained they did not have the initially requested amounts, they agreed to transfer $120 via an online payment service. During the incident, Gray allegedly pointed his weapon at all three individuals and attempted to enter the home, though he was told to leave the doorway. Police say Gray left after confirming the funds had been transferred, accompanied by another 19-year-old man who has since died.
Court records show that Gray told another person he believed he was owed money by one of the residents and intended to confront them to recover it. He was arrested and later released on a $75,000 bond while awaiting court proceedings.
Mountain Home attorney Mark Cooper initially filed a request in February for Gray to undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if he was fit for trial. Robbie Jones, a special prosecutor based in Little Rock, was appointed to handle the case due to a conflict within the 14th Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office. Jones participated in the recent sentencing via video conference.
Gray faced charges including aggravated residential burglary and robbery stemming from the incident.