Newark woman gets 9 years in prison for her role in January robbery

NEWARK - A Newark woman was sentenced to nine years in prison for her role in a January robbery that hospitalized a man.

Brianna N. Dotson, 19, of Newark, pleaded guilty to one count each aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony; kidnapping, a first-degree felony; and felonious assault, a second-degree felony on Tuesday morning. Each charge carried a firearm specification, requiring a three-year prison sentence.

Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Jeffrey Boucher said on Jan. 15, Dotson invited the victim to her home, where co-defendants proceeded to rob the victim. Boucher said the co-defendants forced the victim out of Dotson's home and tried to force the victim into a vehicle.

More: Early morning robbery sends Newark man to Columbus hospital

When the victim resisted, Boucher said the group fled the area. The assistant prosecutor said the victim sustained a right orbital blow out fracture and was hospitalized.

The firearm specification, Boucher said, is a result of a co-defendant who had a gun and pointed it at the victim.

Defense attorney Zachuary Meranda said it was a series of poor decisions that led his client before the court. He added there's a similar case pending in Muskingum County and from his understanding, the state and defense will present a joint recommendation of seven years in prison.

Meranda said Dotson's actions will take a lifelong toll on her and she's shown remorse for her actions. He asked Judge Thomas Marcelain to consider merging some of the charges when imposing sentencing.

Boucher argued against the merger, citing the kidnapping and assault were separate actions. He argued Dotson has continued to minimize her role in the incident and added it's concerning a Muskingum County case has a nearly identical set of charges. Boucher added the incident has had a great impact on the victim.

Dotson read a letter to the court, apologizing to both criminal justice officials and the victim for her actions.

"I'm sure you've heard the saying being in the wrong place at the wrong time. To me, that sounds like an excuse, an excuse that tries to point accountability elsewhere," Dotson read. "I truly believe that God has a plan for all of us, but in no way, shape or form am I blaming God for putting me in this situation. I made my own choices."

Dotson added she was baptized through Scott Hayes at the Licking County Justice Center in March.

She apologized to the victim in the case, saying she prays for God's forgiveness and she prays he finds peace and comfort.

The victim in the case, James Jenkins, told the court the events will hurt him for his life.

"It will take a lifetime to deal with all this...I feel that she's going to get 30 years. I deserve that she gets every day of that 33 years because she only has to do the 33 years, but I have to deal with a lifetime," Jenkins said.

Marcelain sentenced Dotson to a total of nine years in prison and granted her credit for 98 days spent in the Licking County Justice Center. Upon her release from prison, she will be required to complete five years of post-release control.

Muskingum County court records indicate Dotson is also charged with one count each aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony; kidnapping, a first-degree felony; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; theft, a first-degree misdemeanor; and safecracking, a fourth-degree felony.

According to the Zanesville Times Recorder, the charges stem from a May 2018 pizza shop robbery.

In Licking County, co-defendant Brady Shafer, 21, of Thornville, has a trial set for July in Licking County Common Pleas Court. Shafer faces charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping and felonious assault.