19-year-old sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery, gun charges

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 19-year-old who shot another man during a robbery over a drug deal last year was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Kevin McKeever sentenced DMontrey Redmond to a 10 year sentence for second-degree robbery and ran both five year sentences for reckless use of a firearm causing bodily injury and trafficking in stolen firearms concurrently to the 10 years.

Redmond, who was 17 at the time of the offense, pleaded in August to amended charges of second-degree robbery, reckless use of a firearm causing bodily injury and trafficking in stolen firearms. He was originally charged with attempted murder, but that charge and two other charges were dismissed.

During the plea hearing, Redmond admitted to robbing and assaulting Alexander Ledvina, 18, during a drug deal in the parking lot of St. Jude's Jan. 27, 2015. He also admitted to discharging a gun, but said he didn't intentionally shoot Ledvina, who was injured during the robbery.

Redmond also admitted to possessing a 9 mm stolen handgun and that he knew it was stolen.

A search warrant affidavit shows Redmond was with another man, Jordan McCool, who was going to buy $290 of marijuana from Ledvina. Ledvina, who was in his car, told investigators that he tried to drive away, but Redmond, who was outside the car, jumped into the car and shot him as the two were fighting.

Ledvina then crashed his car, and Redmond and the other man ran away before he called 911, court documents show. Ledvina was treated for gunshot wounds to his right forearm and his right and left thighs.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks asked for a 15 year sentence and Mike Lahammer, Redmond's lawyer, asked for three years probation and time in a residential facility.

Maybanks pointed out this was crime of violence and a crime involving a firearm. Redmond shot a person and he had a stolen weapon. Redmond also had a criminal history in Juvenile Court and had received several 'interventions” but then he committed three offenses after completing these programs.

The presentencing report and Maybanks said Redmond would benefit from a 'highly structured environment,” and Maybanks said there are many programs offered in prison, where he could get the maximum rehabilitation.

Lahammer said there are other alternatives to prison, and Redmond already has served 19 months in jail. Sentencing Redmond to community corrections would also be a structured environment, he said.

Redmond told the judge he made a mistake and takes full responsibility for the crime. He also asked for another chance.

McKeever also ordered Redmond to pay $1,761 in restitution to St. Jude's Catholic Church, in accordance with the plea agreement. One of the utility poles was damaged. He also will be required to pay $290 for crime victim's restitution.