Armed Robber Sentenced To 149 Months Imprisonment

Charles E. Peeler, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Edward W. Holt, III, was sentenced to 149 months in prison on January 10, 2018, for armed robbery and attempted armed robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act and for brandishing of a firearm during these robberies.  Sentencing was by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.

The evidence showed that in the early morning hours of August 12, 2015, Edward Holt approached the Taco Bell, located at 709 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins, and attempted to rob the restaurant by pointing a firearm at an employee operating the drive-thru window.  He also pointed the firearm at a customer waiting at the drive-thru window. The employee and customer fled the scene before Mr. Holt could rob them.   Within four hours, Mr. Holt traveled to the Waffle House, located at 301 N. Ga. 49 in Byron, where he entered the establishment, pointed a gun at one of the employees and demanded money from the cash register. Upon being given the cash register drawer, Mr. Holt fled the scene and ran into the woods. Police officers found Mr. Holt hiding in the woods and arrested him, recovering parts of the register drawer and some money belonging to the Waffle House as well as a Colt Trooper Mark III, .357 caliber revolver, which was used to commit both robberies.

“Mr. Holt’s one night robbery spree disrupted two local businesses and put innocent citizens in fear for their lives, not to mention the threat he posed to the officers who arrested him.  He is certainly deserving of the sentence imposed upon him as the result of these actions.  Bringing him to justice is the result of cooperation between federal and state law enforcement and prosecuting agencies,” said United States Attorney Peeler.

This case was investigated by Byron Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling prosecuted the case for the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or pam.lightsey@usdoj.gov.