Public Radio for Northeast Texas

Quinlan teen pleads guilty to robbery, sexual assault

Hunt County Detention Center

A Hunt County man has pleaded guilty to committing an armed hold-up and sexual assault at a downtown Quinlan business.

Jamey Justin Smith, 19, of Quinlan entered the guilty pleas during a hearing in the 196th District Court Wednesday to one count each of aggravated robbery and aggravated sexual assault.

Smith is being held in custody at the Hunt County Jail in lieu of a total of $401,500 bond. Judge Steve Tittle accepted the pleas and scheduled a punishment hearing for Jan. 27, 2014.

Smith was charged in connection with a reported robbery at gunpoint of an antique store on Main Street in Quinlan on the morning of January 18. An employee of the business also indicated she was sexually assaulted by Smith during the incident and that Smith threatened her life.

Quinlan Police Department officers later took Smith into custody during a traffic stop, after another occupant of the vehicle said Smith had told him he had committed the crimes and had thrown the handgun into a nearby ditch.

The weapon allegedly used in the robbery was also recovered.

Both the aggravated robbery and aggravated sexual assault charges are first degree felonies, each punishable upon conviction by a maximum sentence of from five to 99 years to life in prison and an optional fine of up to $10,000. 

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Mark Haslett has served at KETR since 2013. Since then, the station's news operation has enjoyed an increase in listener engagement and audience metrics, as well recognition in the Texas AP Broadcasters awards.