Dylan Josiah Fletcher, an 18-year-old from Pearl, has been sentenced for his involvement in an armed robbery and possession of a stolen firearm, according to Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett.

Fletcher was sentenced on September 10, by Judge Bradley Mills to 30 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), with 18 years suspended, leaving him to serve 12 years behind bars.

He will also serve five years of supervised probation following his release. The sentence stems from an armed robbery that took place in April 2023.

Fletcher was also sentenced to a concurrent five-year term for possession of a stolen firearm in September 2023.

The armed robbery occurred on April 7, 2023, when Pearl Police responded to a report of a robbery at a Sonic restaurant on Highway 80 in Pearl.

The victim, a juvenile who had just attended his school’s prom, was approached by two masked individuals, including Fletcher, who displayed firearms and demanded his belongings. Despite Fletcher’s face being partially concealed, the victim recognized him by his voice, and surveillance footage confirmed the sequence of events.

While out on bond for the robbery, Fletcher was arrested again in September 2023 for possessing a stolen Glock 17 9mm, which had been reported stolen during an automobile burglary in Rankin County.

District Attorney Bramlett commended the victim for his courage in the face of danger and emphasized the importance of community efforts to prevent gun violence.

“The quick thinking and cooperation of the victim played a crucial role in identifying the assailant and ensuring justice was served. Fortunately, this armed robbery incident did not lead to further violence. As a community, we must act against gun violence, and I urge our citizens to secure their firearms properly.”