MESSAGE FROM PROSECUTOR SHERRI BEVAN WALSH

Contact:  April Wiesner

(330) 643-8386

Akron Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Hudson Robbery

(February 1, 2012… Akron) … Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that Judge Paul Gallagher found Gerome Burns, 34, of Richmond Street in Akron, guilty of Aggravated Robbery, a first-degree felony with a firearm specification; Kidnapping, a first-degree felony with a firearm specification; Failure to Comply, a third-degree felony; and Having Weapons Under Disability, a third-degree felony.

On August 17, Burns robbed an adult male at gunpoint outside a home in Hudson, stealing the victim’s wallet, Rolex watch and gold wedding band. Burns then told the victim to walk behind the house. Fearing he would be killed, the victim refused and instead walked toward the front yard. The victim watched Burns drive away and then drove to the Hudson Police Department to report the crime.

Hudson police spotted Burns driving a late-model gray Cadillac. When they tried to stop Burns, he sped away. The police chased Burns on Routes 8 and 77 and through residential parts of Hudson, Stow, Silver Lake and Akron. Akron police finally managed to stop Burns in the Summit Lake area. Burns was found with the victim’s wallet, watch and wedding band.

“I commend the victim for immediately notifying police and providing them with enough detail that they were able to apprehend the defendant,” said Prosecutor Walsh. “This victim was not only brave in testifying against the person he feared had intended to kill him, but the testimony he provided was excellent and clearly had a positive impact on the outcome of this case.”

Judge Gallagher immediately sentenced Burns to 15 years in prison.

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