On Monday, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Bill sentenced Renjamin Scribbling-Elmore to 5-15 years in prison for unarmed robbery on reduced charges for his part in the armed robbery at Wagon Wheel Mobile Home Park in Van Buren Township.
Scribbling-Elmore of Van Buren Township, who was 17 at the time of the robbery on March 22, will also be responsible for court costs and $300 shared restitution with the other three defendants.
Jonathan Jones, Scribbling-Elmore’s attorney, stated that his client is a good kid and this was an isolated incident and for him very uncharacteristic.
The victim, who has been at every sentencing of the teens, was too distraught to give a statement to the court.
Judge Bill, counseling Scribbling-Elmore, said that he had reviewed the pre-sentencing material provided to him and was impressed with the tremendous family support.
Supporting him during the sentencing were 14 people including his parents, grandmother, sister, aunt and many friends including Brandon Fair who is a co-defendant in this case and was sentenced last week to 5-15 years plus 2 years for a felony arms conviction.
Fair, who is out on bond, will turn himself in to the court at 9 a.m. Nov. 8.
Scribbling-Elmore apologized to the victim as well as his family and friends. He said that he wishes to go to school for engineering or culinary arts.
Judge Bill said, “An apology is the first step towards rehabilitation and it is important for you to have a goal … You caused a lot of trauma to the offended victim. Learn from your mistake and move on. Remember a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
Based upon the closure of seven Department of Correction facilities, Judge Bill stated that he has seen an increase in the number of 17 to 20 years olds who are recommended by the DOC for alternative incarceration. If Scribbling-Elmore can demonstrate for a period of time that he can work hard and challenge himself, he may be a candidate for this program, Judge Bill said.
Without touching, family and friends took a moment to say goodbye before Scribbling-Elmore was taken away.
The last of the four teens to be sentenced is Jaleel Booker, whose trial was to begin Oct. 9, but he pled guilty to a reduced charge of unarmed robbery. A sentence of 1.5 years in prison and 3 years probation is expected when he is sentenced on Nov. 1.
Last March, the four teens were all 17 years of age and students at Belleville High School. They originally were charged with armed robbery, home invasion, felony firearms, and possession of marijuana, which could have brought life in prison.