By Staff
CASSOPOLIS -- The ring-leader of five robbers who assaulted, duct-taped, robbed and terrorized the elderly in Michiana has pled guilty as charged to all 28 charges pending against him in Cass County Circuit Court.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz announced that Jonathan Haynes, a part-time Niles resident, pled guilty with the understanding his sentence would be 25-30 years in prison for the commission of these offenses.The Cass County robberies, home invasions and weapons offenses took place in Milton and Howard townships.
The gang chose to strike in various Cass, Berrien and St. Joe County, Ind. locations in the late spring and early summer of 2003. Mostly elderly couples were attacked and robbed. Much of the Michiana area suffered under their reign of terror last year.
Fitz stated, "An attack on the elderly is intolerable. A severe price must be paid. My office will not accept this violent behavior against anyone, particularly our seniors.
The charges against Haynes were under Habitual Offender Third, and included counts of possession of a weapon by a felon and felony firearm.
There were two counts of conspiracy to home invasion first degree, May 14, 2003, in Milton Township, at 311 Batchelor and on May 20, 2003, Howard Township, Maple Lane; two counts armed robbery, home invasion first, June 28, 2003, Bell Road; three counts armed robbery, home invasion, July 5, 2003, Howard Township, Center Avenue; and tow counts armed robbery, home invasion, Milton Township, June 28, 2003, Redfield Road.