An Orange County jury Wednesday found a 24-year-old man guilty of aggravated robbery of the Sun Loan Co. and gave him a punishment of 30 years in state prison.
Mason Paul Butler was accused of being the gunman when four young men robbed the 16th Street loan company on August 24, 2015. It was the second day-time robbery of the business in two months.
The jury spent about 45 minutes to determine he was guilty. Witnesses included the woman working inside the business. Also testifying was 18-year-old Raymond Charles Young, who previously pleaded guilty to the robbery in exchange for a sentence of 15 years. He has cooperated with police.
Last month, 163rd State District Judge Dennis Powell gave a 33-year sentence to 21-year-old Joshua Tremain Shaw after he pleaded guilty in the case.
Judge Powell also presided over Butler’s trial this week. Butler was represented by Paul Fukuda of Bridge City.
Aggravated robbery charges are still remaining against 24-year-old Jordan Chancelor Pitre in connection with the same robbery.
Assistant District Attorney Krispen Walker, who prosecuted the case, said she hopes the sentences send a message to people who might consider robbing a business or store.
Social Media