press release - upson county armed robbery/aggravated assault guilty plea

On March 3, 2026, the Honorable Ben J. Miller of the Upson County Superior Court accepted a blind plea of guilty by Joseph V. Roberts on the charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and criminal damage to property in the second degree. Roberts argued for a sentence of 30 years to serve 10; however, Judge Miller accepted the State’s recommendation of 15 years to serve followed by 15 years on probation. The State was represented by Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey D. Holliday with the assistance of Senior Assistant District Attorney, John McAbee, Investigator, Rick Reeves, Victim Advocate, Bailey Middlebrooks and Legal Assistant Earielle Mullins. Investigator Marcus Denson and the Thomaston Police Department investigated this case.
Had this case gone to trial, the State would have shown that on July 12, 2025, the Defendant entered the Southside BP in Thomaston, Georgia where he went to the drink cooler and took a Budlight Lime. He then stopped, waited for a customer to leave the counter, and withdrew a hatchet from his pants. He proceeded to go behind the clerk’s counter where he raised the hatchet at the clerk demanding that he be given the money. The clerk was able to jump over the counter and get away. The Defendant then smashed up the cash register and monitors, stealing $678.00 and the Budlight Lime before fleeing the store. The Defendant subsequently led officers on a chase into Taylor County and back into Upson County where he was apprehended.
“This case could have been so much worse. We are thankful for the witnesses that were able to provide great information on what the Defendant was wearing and driving and for keeping the police informed of his location. We are grateful there were no further injuries and that Judge Miller accepted the State’s recommendation due to the severity of this crime,” said ADA Holliday.
“This type of dangerous, lawless behavior will not be tolerated by the citizens of Upson County. My office, along with our Law Enforcement officers will relentlessly pursue justice for victims who are traumatized by violent crime,” said Acting District Attorney David J. Studdard.