KFC robbery defendant receives 15-year prison sentence

The third and final accomplice in a Cape Girardeau KFC robbery from last summer was sentenced to 15 years in prison this week for his role in the crime.

Jimmy L. Walker, 30, of Village on the Green, pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree robbery and was sentenced by Circuit Judge William Syler.

In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop a charge of armed criminal action and to recommend a 15-year prison sentence, according to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle.

On July 21, two teenage boys robbed at gunpoint the restaurant, at 2101 William St., while Walker acted as the getaway driver, according to authorities. Walker had also helped plan the scheme.

The boys, Isaiah M. Lane, 16, and Semaj B. Lumas, 16, were certified as adults and both pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and armed criminal action. Lane also pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon.

During the robbery, Lane pointed a gun to the head of a KFC employee, according to the prosecuting attorney's office. KFC employees also reported that the robbers threatened to kill them.

Both youths were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Before Walker's arrest in April, authorities had been searching for him for seven months. He was found working and living at a Charleston, Mo., motel.

Walker had previously been convicted and received jail time for burglary, tampering, receiving stolen property and possession of controlled substance charges, Swingle said.

He must serve 85 percent of his sentence, which could have been up to life imprisonment, according to Swingle.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

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