Third suspect in Advance America Cash ‘robbery’ arrested.

Black

Third suspect in Advance America Cash ‘robbery’ arrested.

#MasonCountyCrime.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief and Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON — A third suspect in the May 9, 2018 robbery of Advance America Cash has been arrested. According to Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Spaniola, Bryana Jacqueline Black, 21, 5616 N. Budzynski Road, Sheridan Township, was arraigned on June 21 in 79th District Court and charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit embezzlement by agent, $1,000 to $20,000, a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment; lying to a police officer during a violent crime investigation, a felony punishable by up to four years imprisonment.

The other two suspects, Taya ilene Wrightsman, 21 and Koreana Lynn Reid, also of 5616 N. Budzynski Road, Sheridan Township, were arrested by Mason County Sheriff’s Office a few days after the alleged robbery at 4928 W. US 10 in Pere Marquette Township. They were each charged with armed robbery, a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Wrightsman

“The investigation led by Det. Sgt. Tom Posma and Det. Mike Kenney has developed evidence that Ms. Black, an employee of Advance America Cash, and who reported the purported robbery, was, in actuality, a willing participant in the theft of money from her place of employment, and that what she reported to law enforcement as an armed robbery was actually staged and planned in advance,” Spaniola said, adding that it is alleged that Black acted together with Wrightsman and Reid.

On June 19, Wrightsman pleaded guilty in 51st Circuit Court to a lesser charge of conspiracy to commit embezzlement $1,000 to $25,000. Wrightsman testified that all three women were working together and that she was the driver.

“I was the driver, and Koreana was the one that went inside, but I knew what she was doing,” Wrightsman testified. “We all knew what was going on.”

“Did the three of you stage an armed robbery?” Spaniola asked her. Wrightsman said Reid and the other suspect told her about it the night before.

“Koreanna dressed as an armed robber,” Wrightsman said.

Reid

Reid has not yet entered a plea. She allegedly used a gun to steal money, and she and Wrightsman drove off in a Jeep Patriot. Then later that day, while detectives were investigating the scene, returned to the store’s parking lot with the same vehicle.

Investigators believe they have recovered all the money stolen. According to Wrightsman’s testimony, they stole $15,000.

Wrightsman has no prior record whatsoever, said her attorney Douglas Stevenson. Sentencing guidelines in the case are 0-3 months. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 7 at 2:30 p.m.

Black’s bond was set at $35,000 cash or surety by Magistrate Patricia Baker.  A preliminary examination has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 11 at 11:15.

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