Judge Kelly Case of the 9th District Court sentenced a home invader to 20 years in prison, the maximum, for burglary of a habitation. James Ross had previously pled guilty to the charge in January without an agreed sentence, and was back in court Wednesday for his punishment trial. Ross chose to go to the judge instead of a jury for his punishment.
Ross broke into a home on Indian Wells in Panorama Village on December 7 in broad daylight, during the mid-afternoon. After prying off the back door lock and handle with a hammer, he stole a laptop, a pistol, and over $30,000 worth of jewelry from the residence. Ross then got back into a vehicle driven by co-defendant Kathryn Staton, and attempted to flee the neighborhood. Luckily, Detective Hightower from the Panorama Village Police Department saw Ross coming back to the vehicle with full pockets, and stopped the car for a traffic violation. Thanks to his efforts, all of the property was recovered, as well as a small amount of marijuana.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Horn, who prosecuted the case, believes the sentence was a fair outcome. “Few things are as personal and private as someone’s home, and I think this sends a strong message to anyone who would violate someone’s home in Montgomery County.”
The co-defendant’s case is still pending.
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