Convict avoids prison, gets stern warning

A 20-year-old Lawrence man was sentenced to probation Friday for his role in three separate crimes.

Quincy Sanders was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 18 months of probation after pleading no contest March 15 to charges of robbery, attempted kidnapping and sale of cocaine. He also will undergo drug treatment.

But District Court Judge Robert Fairchild warned Sanders that he would be under intense supervision. If Sanders violates his probation, he’ll be sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison.

“If you screw up, you’re going to spend a very long time in prison,” Fairchild told Sanders. “You’re getting a big chance here.”

Sanders’ charges stemmed from these incidents:

The March 1, 2000, robbery of Burger King, 1107 W. Sixth Street.

An Oct. 8, 2001, sale of cocaine.

The Jan. 3 kidnapping of Justo Culian, a drug informant.

Assistant Dist. Atty. Dave Zabel asked Fairchild to impose prison time for Sanders. An evaluation that indicated Sanders still was using marijuana in April, Zabel said. He also said Sanders was unemployed.

“It doesn’t seem like he’s taken any steps, knowing prison would be an option,” Zabel said. “There is very serious concern about public safety.”

But Fairchild said he chose probation because Sanders didn’t have a previous criminal record.

Two others involved in the Burger King robbery are awaiting sentencing. Eric Horch, 34, pleaded no contest to attempted robbery, and Otis Johnson, 19, pleaded no contest to robbery.

Two of Sanders’ relatives are awaiting sentencing in the kidnapping. Kim Sanders, 23, pleaded no contest to making a criminal threat and will be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Lionell Sanders, 23, pleaded no contest to attempted kidnapping and drug charges. He’ll be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. May 16.

Lee Sanders, 34, also was arrested in connection with the kidnapping, but charges against him were later dropped.