PALM COAST, Fla. – A 35-year-old Palm Coast man was found guilty Thursday of robbery with a weapon, grand theft, false imprisonment and battery.
Assistant State Attorneys Rich Price and Ben Fox presented evidence over the course of a two day trial before a Flagler County jury took about 20 minutes to convict Jaquez Roland. Price said the defendant's suspicious behavior led to his identification, but it was the DNA match that ultimately helped convict Roland.
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"This case is an example of how technology, science, public awareness and good police work combine to solve a violent crime," State Attorney R.J. Larizza said.
On Oct. 30, 2011, Roland robbed a liquor store wearing a full facial motorcycle helmet, black leather jacket, motorcycle gloves mask and motorcycle gear. After stuffing cash into his pockets, he threw away his black leather motorcycle jacket and gloves in the woodline behind the liquor store.
He then went to a fast-food store a block away to make a phone call. Roland drew the attention of customers and employees when he arrived sweaty and anxious. His suspicious behavior at the fast-food establishment was found on video surveillance and helped police identify him.
The DNA evidence on the jacket and gloves found in the woodline trash was a match.
Price said Roland faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for robbery with a weapon and up to five years in prison each for grand theft and false imprisonment. A sentencing hearing has been tentatively scheduled for July 12.