One of the four persons involved in a robbery at Nicolet Park in Lexington Park on the day after Christmas last year was sentenced Friday in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Judge Michael Stamm sentenced Naru Frenche, 19, of both Brandywine and Lexington Park, to ten years in jail but suspended all but 18 months, allowing him to serve his time in the local detention enter.
Frenche and Kyre Chappell, 17, were charged with the armed robbery of several juvenile and adult victims. Charges are expected against the other two persons allegedly involved. Frenche pled guilty to Robbery. Assistant State’s Attorney John Pleisse said that Frenche, of the four perpetrations, was “more indirectly involved.”
Before sentencing Judge Stamm announced that it had just come to his attention that he knew Frenche’s mother, who had worked in his law office. He asked both Pleisse and Frenche’s attorney, William Parker of Upper Marlboro, if they had any trouble with Stamm proceeding with the sentencing in spite of the potential conflict and they both said they did not.
The total sentence imposed by Stamm of 1o years was much higher than the state guidelines for the crime of six months to three years, which both the judge and Pleisse said was too low. But the judge suspended the sentence down to 18 months, which falls within the guidelines.
Before sentencing Frenche said, “I am sorry for what I did. I truly apologize.”
Parker asked for work release for his client so he could attend school and work. The judge granted that but said it was unlikely he would approve the home detention asked for by Parker. The judge, as he does for all defendants, admonished Frenche to stay clean after being released or the complete jail term will be imposed.
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