JUDGE SENTENCES MICHAEL GILLIAM TO 19 YEARS

Michael Gilliam, 46, pled guilty on April 12, 2007 to Burglary 1st Degree, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime, Grand Larceny, Armed Robbery, and Assault with Intent to Kill. The charges arose from two separate incidents occurring in 2006.

On August 26, 2006 Gilliam robbed the Pelzer Point Shell station in West Pelzer with what appeared to be a pistol. Witnesses identified Gilliam’s vehicle which the Anderson County Sheriff’s office later located. A small gray homemade pistol-like object was found on the front seat of the vehicle. Gilliam gave a voluntary statement admitting to the robbery.

On October 24, 2006, Gilliam broke into a residence in Piedmont, SC taking items valued in excess of $1000, including a pistol. After being confronted by the homeowner, Gilliam fled into a wooded area near the residence where he was located by Anderson County deputies. Although Gilliam fired at the responding officer, no one was injured during the arrest.

The Honorable James Williams sentenced Gilliam to 19 years for the Burglary 1st Degree; 19 years for the Armed Robbery; 10 years for the Assault with Intent to Kill; 5 years for the Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime; and 5 years for the Grand Larceny. All sentences are to be served concurrently.