Solon teen sentenced for Iowa City armed burglary

While waiting for the judge, Dakota Lee Williams had about 10 minutes to talk with several loved ones in a nearly empty Johnson County courtroom Monday.

They discussed how his hair had grown out, the protocol for making phone calls from jail, keeping a positive attitude.

“I want to go fishing so bad,” said Williams, a 19-year-old from Solon.

That won't happen for a long time.

Williams agreed to a plea deal Monday on four charges stemming from three cases. The most serious were first-degree burglary and second-degree robbery for an incident last year in which a robbery victim was shot in the hands. He also pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and forgery for incidents in 2009.

Judge Douglas Russell sentenced Williams to five years each for the theft and forgery charges, 10 years for second-degree robbery and 25 years for first-degree burglary, plus five years for possession of a dangerous weapon. Russell ordered that the sentences be served consecutively, meaning one after another.

In February 2010, Williams broke into an apartment on North Dodge Street in Iowa City with a handgun and demanded money from a 27-year-old man, according to Iowa City police. During a struggle, the gun discharged and the victim was shot in both hands.

Williams had been charged with attempted murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and going armed with intent for the incident.

The victim, Brandon LeFever, spoke at Monday's court hearing.

“I considered Dakota to be a friend, and this kind of hurts. I want you to know I don't hold any ill will toward you,” he said to Williams.

Later, when given a chance, Williams, his head bowed and face red from crying, turned to LeFever.

“I am sorry. I am very sorry. And thank you for forgiving me,” he said.

Russell also ordered Williams to pay victim restitution in an amount to be determined.

LeFever said after the sentencing that he has some minor trouble spreading out his fingers on one hand but otherwise has full use of both hands.