Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A 16-year jail sentence was handed down to a 17-year-old boy Thursday for his role in the Dec. 31 armed robbery of Pizza Hut, Syracuse.
Nicholas Ashkins, South Whitley, was sentenced in accordance with a plea agreement, on charges of criminal confinement and armed robbery, both Class B felonies. For robbery, Judge Duane Huffer, Kosicusko Superior Court 1, ordered Ashkins to eight years in prison; for criminal confinement, Ashkins received a 10-year sentence, with the final two years suspended for probation.
In addition to the prison time, he must pay $4,015.19 restitution to Pizza Hut, obtain a general education degree and undergo drug treatment. During his probation term he must continue his education, enrolling in college courses.
"Nick, it is my hope you can take advantage of the programs available to you in the Department of Corrections," Huffer said.
Ashkins was one of three men who robbed the Pizza Hut at gunpoint, forcing nine employees into a freezer to wait while they looted the cash registers. Ashkins is a former Pizza Hut employee and reportedly waited outside while Robert Lafollette, 18, and Ryan Kennelley, 17, both of Syracuse, allegedly forced the people into the freezer. Ashkins then reportedly came inside and helped the others locate the store's money.
According to Ashkins' attorney, James Stevens, Ashkins understands how serious his behavior was and plans not to let it reoccur.
"This young man has accepted the consequences of his actions," Stevens said.
Stevens later said Ashkins committed the crime under an unnamed outside influence and that he was impressed with his expression of remorse.
Lafollette pleaded guilty to similar charges Tuesday and Kennelley is set to take his case to trial in November.
