ROCKLAND, Maine — A 25-year-old Connecticut man who received numerous letters of support from his hometown will serve four months for his role in a Union home invasion.
David A. Williams was sentenced Friday in Knox County Superior Court to five years with all but four months suspended for robbery, aggravated assault, and theft. Justice Jeffrey Hjelm also ordered Williams to serve four years probation upon his release.
Paul A. Milardo, William’s co-defendant, was sentenced in January to 10 years in prison with all but four years suspended and four years probation.
Assistant District Attorney Christopher Fernald had recommended that Williams get five years with all but one year suspended. The defense had sought a fully suspended sentence.
Milardo and the victim knew each other, according to police. Milardo was at the victim’s home in August 2013, when Williams forced his way inside, and armed with a pellet gun, stole money and oxycodone prescribed to the victim. The victim initially refused to comply and was struck in the back of the head with the gun. The armed man then forced the victim into the bathroom.
The victim said he called out to Milardo to see if he was safe but heard no response. He came out of the bathroom to find that both the armed man and Milardo were gone.
Police stopped the vehicle, driven by Milardo, a short time later in Wiscasset after a brief chase. The money, oxycodone and about $4,700 taken from two strong boxes at the victim’s home were recovered from the vehicle.
Milardo confessed his role, saying he and Williams had planned the crime, and he texted Williams when it was time to commit the robbery, police said.
Williams had been free on bail since shortly after his arrest.
Before the sentencing, there were letters submitted to the court on behalf of Williams from his pastor in Middletown, two basketball coaches, a town recreation supervisor and friends of the family. The Middletown residents spoke highly about Williams who had no prior criminal record.
Williams was represented by attorney Philip Cohen.