By Lucky Kidd
PAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — A scheduled jury trial Tuesday in Pawnee County District Court involving two cases against a Great Bend man didn’t happen, as before jury selection began a plea agreement was presented.
Under that agreement Roy Gene Robertson pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon in return for dismissal of burglary charges stemming from incidents July 10, 2023, where diesel fuel was taken from an irrigation unit south of Larned and batteries were stolen from vehicles in a shed a few miles away.
Roy’s brother, Dale Robinson of Hutchinson, had earlier pleaded in this case and was placed on probation. Roy was not initially charged but later investigation indicated Roy was present at the time of the alleged crimes.
The firearms charge was based on discovery of weapons at a rural Pawnee County residence where the stolen batteries were found, during execution of search warrants which Roy was not allowed to possess due to a prior Pawnee County conviction for aggravated burglary.
After accepting the plea District Judge Bruce Gatterman ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set sentencing for Feb. 20. Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett indicated it is the understanding of the parties that Roy Robinson will be subject to a presumptive prison sentence.
