Three people have been sentenced for their roles in a Cobb County armed carjacking and car break-ins, prosecutors said.
Frederick Ballard, 17, of East Point, Quantavius Montrez Favors, 19, of East Point, and Bellande Gainer, 18, of Atlanta, were involved in incidents in April 2015 that included stealing a woman’s car in the 1200 block of Franklin Road in Marietta, Cobb district attorney spokeswoman Kim Isaza said.
“This crime terrorized and stranded an innocent woman who was simply on her way to work,” Assistant District Attorney Brendan Murphy said. “These defendants must be held accountable for their violent actions.”
The defendants drove away in her car and a stolen vehicle they arrived in, Isaza said. Before robbing the victim, the men had broken into several cars in a nearby hotel parking lot.
Cobb officers spotted the cars on South Cobb Drive, Isaza said. The defendants drove away at high speeds, and officers ended their pursuit for safety. Both stolen cars were found abandoned and wrecked in Fulton County. An AR-15 and a handgun were found in the defendants’ original vehicle.
The defendants were charged after an investigation by Marietta police.
Ballard and Favors pleaded guilty to armed robbery, four counts of entering auto, three counts of felony theft by receiving, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Both were sentenced to 20 years, with 12 years in prison and the rest on probation.
Gainer entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to four counts of entering auto after the investigation revealed that his role was breaking into cars, Isaza said. He was sentenced to 20 years, with three years in prison and the rest on probation.
The defendants, who have been in custody since April 2015, will get credit for time served.
About the Author
