Driver in Niles armed robbery sentenced

Published 9:03 am Tuesday, May 6, 2014

A South Bend, Ind., man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for his role in the armed robbery of a Niles liquor store in July 2013.

Arthur B. Jones, 35, received the 43-month sentence from Judge Dennis Wiley Monday in Berrien County Court in Niles.

Arthur Jones

Arthur Jones

According to court documents, Jones acted as the getaway driver during the July 21 robbery of the Riverside Liquor store on North Front Street, located across from the courthouse where he was sentenced.

Jones transported his co-defendants — Jadius Owens, Tyshawn Kellogg and Daris Boles — to the liquor store and parked the car two houses north of the crime scene.

Jones’ co-defendants were captured by police near Sumnerville later the same day. Jones was not captured until later when a co-defendant told police of his involvement.

Jones benefitted from a plea agreement with the prosecution that called for a 43-month cap on his sentence. He was the last of his co-defendants to be sentenced.

Boles was sentenced to seven years, while Kellogg received a five-year sentence. Owens was sentenced to 11 years after pleading guilty to two other armed robberies.

“You really got one heck of a deal from the prosecutor,” Wiley told Jones.

Jones receives credit for 163 days already served. He was ordered to pay $1,948 in fines and costs.

Jones apologized for his actions and begged the court for mercy.