Christopher Coleman
A man arrested for a string of 2010 robberies pleaded guilty to multiple charges on Wednesday morning. He got a four-year suspended sentence on the robberies. Charges of aggravated robbery were dismissed. He is to do three consecutive 11/29 workhouse terms. Workhouse inmates generally get "day for day" time reducing their sentences in half.
Christopher Jamar Coleman, who was 21 at the time, was charged with theft of property, possession of marijuana, possession of a weapon, theft under $500, and five counts of aggravated robbery.
He was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days for each of the first three charges. He also received another 11 months and 29-day sentence for the theft charge.
Police said Coleman confessed to robbing a Taco Bell on Highway 153, a Taco Bell on Hixson Pike, and a Zaxby's on Shallowford Road. He also confessed to robbing the Cash Express on East Brainerd Road twice.
According to police, Coleman was accompanied by Stephen Hughley on at least some of the robberies. Hughley was 18 at the time, and has not accepted any plea deals. He is scheduled to appear for trial on April 10.
Prosecutors said had the case gone to trial there would have been potential problems with aspects of the Coleman confession.
The cases are in the courtroom of Judge Rebecca Stern.