Teen gets 10-year sentence for extortion

An 18-year-old was sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday in Linn County District Court for threatening another teen with a gun over some marijuana.

Lucas McMurrin, of Cedar Rapids, originally charged with first-degree robbery, pleaded guilty in November to extortion and going armed with intent, which each carry a five year sentence. The robbery charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Nic Scott asked the court to run the two five year terms consecutively because of the seriousness of the offense. Raymond Larson, 17, was shot in the leg and his leg was broken during the incident, he said.

According to a police report, Larson first told police he was shot Jan. 19, 2010 at a mobile home park but then changed his story and said it was an accidental shooting.

McMurrin admitted to the judge during the plea hearing that he stole marijuana from Larson while threatening him with a gun.

McMurrin said Tuesday before sentencing that he was sorry for his actions. He isn't the same person he was last year and then apologized to Larson.

A victim impact statement was submitted to the court but wasn't read during the hearing.

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