Armed robbery defendant found guilty
Published 9:42 am Thursday, November 20, 2014
The defendant, 32-year-old Joshua Wayne Proskasy of Poplarville, was found guilty of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
While his wife conducted the robbery, Proskasy was determined to be involved, according to previous coverage.
According to the previous story, then 27-year-old Samantha Brumfield entered the store and brought an energy drink to the counter. When the clerk was about to help Brumfield with her purchase, Brumfield pointed a small revolver handgun at the clerk and demanded money.
The clerk complied and Brumfield left with about $300, the previous story states.
After the initial story ran community tips helped identify Brumfield and the investigation also led to charges against Proskasy.
Fifteenth District Attorney Hal Kittrell said Brumfield pleaded guilty to the charge of armed robbery in February of this year, and was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison, five of which were suspended. That means she will serve 15 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Kittrell said Prokasy decided to go to trial on his charges. Tuesday a jury found him guilty of both charges. His sentencing is set for Nov. 24.
A press release from Kittrell’s office states Prokasy could face up to life in prison for the armed robbery conviction, and up to five years for the conspiracy to commit armed robbery conviction.
“This egregious crime occurred in the early morning hours on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 and it was because of the swift response by the Poplarville Police Department that we were able to bring Mr. Prokasy to justice. The Poplarville Police Department conducted an excellent investigation on this case,” Kittrell said in the release.