Convicted robber sentenced to 10 years

COLUMBIA — A 19-year-old Columbia man who was convicted of robbing a city convenience store at gun point was sentenced to 10 years in prison for second-degree robbery on Monday.

Jonathan G. Heyboer of 3105 Alsup Drive waived his trial by pleading guilty to the Class B felony in front of Boone County Circuit Court Judge Jodie Asel.

Heyboer was arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery for the November armed robbery of a Midwest Petroleum at 501 E. Nifong Blvd. According to a probable cause statement, he stole money from the register.

He originally pleaded not guilty at a January hearing, according to Missouri Case.net. But he decided to plead guilty after the charges were lessened by the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, said his lawyer, Stan Clay of Columbia.

He was sentenced immediately after he pleaded guilty because he waived his sentencing hearing.

Asel recommended Heyboer for a special drug abuse program that’s a part of the Missouri Department of Corrections, according to court documents.