Armed robbery suspects “Smiley face trio” convicted - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Armed robbery suspects “Smiley face trio” convicted

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By Brittany Dionne - bio | email

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COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

Three Columbus men arrested in connection to an armed robbery stood before a judge Monday, and News Leader 9's Brittany Dionne was inside the courtroom.

They were all charged with armed robbery but plead guilty to lesser charges earlier Monday.    

Their unofficial name, "smiley face trio," is taken from the note 21-year-old Traveon Crowell handed a cashier at the Chevron on Veterans Parkway in August 2012.

It says "Give me all the money or die! I have a gun, don't panic. Just do it!* and he added a smiley face to finish off the note.

Crowell ran out of the store with the cash and jumped into a Nissan Altima- driven by 23 year-old Michael Cobb.  Kyron Lenard, 20, was also in the car.

They were later apprehended by an off-duty officer.

Due to a gun never being found Crowell and Lenard plead guilty to robbery and were sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Although Cobb said he was not part of the heist and that he was only doing a favor for friends, Crowell and Lenard both testified he was.

Assistant district attorney William Hocutt says the pair offered Cobb $20 for a ride, not telling him of their sinister plans.

Cobb plead guilty to "theft by receiving stolen property" and was sentenced to one year in prison.

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