Thomas gets 28 years for motel robbery
From Staff Reports

Conducting the first sentence hearing since his term of office began in January, Judge Stuart C. DuBose imposed a stiff prison sentence against the Emmanuel Thomas. The State, represented by D.A. Spencer B. Walker and Assistant D.A. J.R. Morgan, argued that Thomas deserved a lengthy prison sentence for his role in the robbery of the Royal Inn in Jackson on May 24, 2006.

During the robbery, Hasmuhk Gandhi, the owner of the motel, was allegedly assaulted with a hammer by Thomas' accomplice, Bruce S. Williams, while Thomas fled with the cash register. The Defendant's attorney, Jerome Carter of the Cochran Firm, argued for leniency due to the fact that his client was not the party who actually used force during the robbery and also due to his client's lack of prior felony convictions.

After the conclusion of the hearing and following a twenty minute recess to consider his decision, Judge DuBose returned to the courtroom to render his sentences:

" The evidence in these proceedings include a clear pattern on the part of Emmanuel Lamont Thomas of a recent violent past, with arrests including attempted robbery in the First degree, Assault in the First Degree and by Shooting, Discharging a Firearm within the City Limits, and other significant arrests for Unlawful Distribution of A Controlled Substance. The record clearly reflects a pattern of violence increasing in character and threat to society. These are but only the actions of the defendant, Emmanuel Lamont Thomas, known to this Court by way of available information and documented events and evidence before this Court. In these changing times, especially within this Court's jurisdiction, with the impending influx of the many tens of thousands of people, the law, society, and the communities which rely upon this court for protection from vicious, violent offenders having no regard for the life, health, safety, property or welfare of his or her fellow human being, this court, acting upon its sworn duty to uphold the Constitution and the law, upon the findings of guilt on all charges, is duty bound and obligated to pronounce sentence accordingly," said Judge DuBose.

The Judge then imposed a 28 year sentence in the Robbery, 1st degree case; a 10 year sentence in the Assault, 2nd degree case; a 6 month sentence in the Resisting Arrest case; and a six month sentence in the Criminal Mischief, 3rd degree case. Judge DuBose ordered that the two misdemeanor sentences run concurrent with each case, but he ordered that the ten year sentence in the Assault case run consecutive with the 28 year sentence in the Robbery case; thereby resulting in the defendant having a 38 year sentence to serve.

"The sentence imposed in each case by this Court is the least restrictive sanction consistent with the protection of the public and the gravity of the crime. In determining the sentence, the Court has evaluated the crime, its consequences, as well as the background and record of the Defendant, Emmanuel Lamont Thomas, and has given it serious consideration. The Court is sensitive to the impact of this sentence on all components in the criminal justice system, having no alternative to long term institutional confinement, upon the finding that you, Emmanuel Lamont Thomas, pose serious danger to society," concluded DuBose.

"Both the State of Alabama and the victim are pleased with Judge DuBose's decision, and I look forward to the prosecution of Bruce Williams this fall," said Walker. Bruce Williams was on parole for robbery when the Royal Inn was robbed. Williams' parole was revoked and he is serving a twenty-year sentence for his prior robbery. Williams trial is presently scheduled for the week of October 22, 2007.

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