Man given 10 year sentence

A Russellville man who pleaded guilty to burglary charges in July for his role in the break-in of a local pharmacy was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday.

Jason Christopher Alexander, 29, 141 Webster Circle, Russellville, had previously entered a plea to a 10-year sentence for third-degree burglary and was sentenced to the full 10 years by Circuit Judge Terry Dempsey, Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said.

According to Rushing, Dempsey denied Alexander’s application for probation and listed his prior criminal history and the nature of the crime as reasons for his decision.

“We are pleased with the judge’s decision in this case,” Rushing said. “Every case is decided individually based on the circumstances and we feel that, based on the prior criminal history, it was a good decision for Mr. Alexander to go to prison and also receive drug counseling while he’s there.”

Alexander was originally arrested in February in connection with an undercover investigation by the Russellville Police Department of a burglary that occurred at Family Pharmacy in Russellville on Jan. 31.

According to officials, Alexander was developed as a suspect in the burglary after officers purchased 50 hydrocodone pills from Alexander’s brother, Seth Alexander, which matched the pills stolen from Family Pharmacy.

While under investigation for the first burglary, investigators caught Jason Alexander throwing a large rock through the front window of the same pharmacy in the early morning hours of Feb. 7. He was arrested and charged at the scene.

“We hope this stiff sentence sends the message to those who are addicted to prescription medication that there are serious consequences for your actions,” Rushing said.