An Auburn man who took part in a violent home invasion robbery last summer has been sentenced to state prison.
Trentyn D. Jackson was sentenced Tuesday to three and half years in prison by Cayuga County Court Judge Jon Budelmann following his conviction on a charge of second-degree robbery, a Class C felony.
The charge stems from an early-morning Sept. 1 robbery at Auburn Heights Apartments. Auburn police said Jackson, along with Michael Depew Sr. and Christopher Phillips, forced their way into an apartment and stole cash from the victim. Depew and Phillips were arrested at the scene, while Jackson fled and was later taken into custody by patrol officers that same day.
Jackson was arrested again about a month later after failing to appear in court on a separate charge of second-degree strangulation, a Class D felony, stemming from a May incident. He was also charged with second-degree escape, a Class E felony, after attempting to run from officers at the police station.
As part of Tuesday’s sentencing, Jackson received a concurrent three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the strangulation charge, which satisfied the escape charge. His robbery sentence will be followed by five years of post-release supervision.
Jackson was also ordered to pay $200 in restitution to the robbery victim. Orders of protection were issued for both the robbery victim and the victim in the strangulation case.
During sentencing, Jackson’s attorney, Eric Smith, told the court Jackson struggles with substance abuse, and asked the judge to recommend treatment while Jackson is incarcerated. Budelmann encouraged Jackson to take advantage of available substance abuse treatment programs in prison and said mental health services may also be beneficial.
Given the opportunity to speak, Jackson addressed the court and his victims.
“I’d like to apologize for my conduct,” Jackson said. “I know I can’t apologize to my victims directly, but I’d like to apologize to them as well.”
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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