Jefferson City man pleads in robbery case, gets probation

A Jefferson City man was placed on five years of supervised probation for pleading guilty to an amended charge in connection with a January 2016 robbery case.

Justice Pierce, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted second-degree robbery. He had been charged with first-degree robbery. A charge of armed criminal action was dismissed.

According to police reports, the robbery occurred in the 300 block of East Ashley Street.

Pierce was one of three men who confronted the victim by pointing a handgun at her and stealing her bookbag. The victim's brother attempted to defend her but was assaulted by the men.

A witness was able to identify Pierce as a suspect through a photo lineup, according to Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statements.