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Last updated on Friday, September 21, 2012
(BEDFORD) - A Lawrence County jury found 17-year-old Zane Payton guilty of aiding in the armed robbery of the Clark gas station in Mitchell.
The jury deliberated for just over an hour.
Lawrence Superior Court II Judge William Sleva set the teen's sentencing for 2 p.m. Oct. 18. He could face from six to 20 years in prison for his role in assisting in the armed robbery of the Mitchell Clark station on Aug. 9, 2011. The Clark station is at Ind. 37 and Main Street.
After the verdict was read, Sleva ordered Payton to be taken to the Lawrence County Jail.
Payton's parents and brother, who were in the courtroom for reading of the verdict - cried.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Alphonso Manns told the jury his client tried to abandon the criminal endeavor, but didn't know how.
Prosecutors and the Clark store clerk allege $600 was taken during the robbery. But when the owner was interviewed after the crime the owner alleged only $300 was taken. The money wasn't recovered and Zane testified no money was taken, just cigarettes.
The teenager said he knew which button opened the cash register, but didn't press it because he didn't want to take any money.
"The plan was to shoplift cigarettes and snacks," he testified. "I knew there was money...but I didn't take it. I just took the cigarettes."
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