Teens sentenced for robbing high school bank

Two Anderson County teens charged with stealing cash and computer equipment from two county schools pleaded guilty Tuesday in Anderson County Circuit Court.

Both received diverted sentences of three years on probation instead of one year in jail punishment they could have received.

Both must pay full restitution to the Anderson County Board of Education.

Thomas Corey Nicholson and Joshua Adam Robinson, both 19, confessed to stealing $1,118 from Cats Cash Bank at Anderson County High School in March. After breaking windows at the high school with baseball bats, Robinson entered the school and took the cash while Nicholson waited in the car. Computer equipment, projection systems and palm pilots were also stolen.

On a separate occasion, Nicholson and Robinson broke into Saffell Street Elementary School and stole computer equipment and game systems.

The two were also found guilty of criminal mischief for filling keyholes at the high school with caulk, resulting in more than $1,000 worth of damage.

Robinson was also charged and pleaded guilty to stealing two high definition televisions from Wal-Mart last January. He was ordered to pay restitution for this theft as well.

Nicholson was charged with five felonies and one misdemeanor, and Robinson faced charges of eight felonies and one misdemeanor.

Baker probated for rape

Ronnie Baker, 29, was given a diverted sentence of one year on probation, a $1,000 fine and required to complete 200 hours community service after pleading guilty Tuesday to a third-degree rape charge and unlawful transaction with a minor, second degree.

Baker was arrested in August after getting into an argument with an unidentified man over Baker's involvement with a 15-year-old girl. The minor was babysitting Baker's children at the defendant's home when the two engaged in sexual activities.

It was discovered the mother of the girl gave Baker permission to see her daughter and would give them permission to marry when the girl turned 16.

Baker could have received up to 10 years in jail and $2,000 in fines for the offenses.