21-year-old convicted of robbery at 15 now eligible for parole

A judge last week resentenced a 21-year-old, convicted as a 15-year-old for robbery, which eliminated the mandatory minimum of 17 years and has made him eligible for parole.

Maurice Harden was sentenced in 2014 to 25 years for first-degree robbery and interference with official acts causing serious injury after his probation was revoked.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Ian Thornhill granted the resentencing last Friday in accordance with the Iowa law regarding juveniles, which states mandatory minimums are unconstitutional.

Thornhill revoked Harden's probation in 2014 based on his multiple violations but said Harden, after a rough start, has been doing well in prison and is 'purposefully' seeking ways to succeed and stay out of trouble, a court progress and presentence investigation reports show.

Thornhill said Harden's parole will be up to the parole board.

Harden was prosecuted as a youthful offender, meaning the 25-year sentence was deferred until his 18th birthday and then suspended. He was given five years probation but he had three violations including breaking curfews, drug violations and, in the last offense, he didn't return to the Hinzman Center, where he was serving his probation, and instead went to Indiana.

In March 2009, Harden, along with two others, robbed David Scanlon and Austin Switalski, both of Cedar Rapids. The victims were injured during the robbery.

Cedar Rapids Police Officer Tim Davis responded to the call and attempted to stop Jose Rockiett, then 18, of Cedar Rapids, who was with Harden. Harden ran away before the assault happened but Rockiett struck Davis in the head with a BB-gun. Davis suffered a fractured skull and severe brain swelling after falling and hitting his head on the street, according to court records.

Rockiett, now 21, is serving 25 years in prison and Robert Watkins, 19, was also given probation in 2012 for his part in the robbery.