SPARTANBURG MEN RECEIVES LENGTHY PRISON SENTENCES FOR ARMED ROBBERY

Two Spartanburg man received lengthy prison sentences today after they were found guilty of robbing a local teen at knifepoint.

Carnie Norris III, 48, and Kenneth Wayne Chiles, 46, were found guilty of armed robbery at the conclusion of a two-day jury trial. Circuit Judge Derham Cole sentenced Norris to serve 28 years in prison and ordered Chiles to spend 18 years behind bars. Both men will serve 85 percent o the prison sentences before they are eligible for release. The duo robbed a 17-year-old teen on July 16, 2008 near First Baptist Church in downtown Spartanburg. The teen told police he and 5 friends were playing frisbee golf about 11 p.m. on North Dean Street when they were approached by Norris and Chiles.

Norris held a knife to the throat of the teen and took his wallet. When police arrived moments later, they questioned the group and found that Chiles had several items from the victim’s wallet in his possession. The stolen items included a bank card and gift cards. Two knives were found in Norris’ pocket. The crime victim and the five witnesses described the incident in written statements for police.

“It is a shame that the young people of our community can’t enjoy themselves without worrying about who they are around,” Principal Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette said.

Norris’ prior criminal record spans 30 years with multiple convictions for property crimes and drug offenses. Chiles’ prior criminal record spans 28 years with multiple convictions for property crimes, traffic offenses and criminal domestic violence.

For more information, contact Murray Glenn at 809-4892.