Man sentenced to probation in botched robbery

A 22-year-old Olathe man shot during a botched robbery attempt in 2012 was sentenced to one year probation in Douglas County District Court Friday.

Connor M. Mayhan, one of three men arrested in connection with the attempt, pleaded guilty in February to felony conspiracy to commit robbery. He was arrested along with Alexander C. Eftekhar and Andrew M. Johns after an alleged attempt to rob a Lawrence man of money and marijuana went awry.

The three were arrested in December 2012. Eftekhar was also sentenced last week to one year probation for his role in the incident.

During a preliminary hearing for Eftekhar last year, Mayhan testified that he and Eftekhar conspired to rob a man they believed was a drug dealer at a home in the 1200 block of New Jersey Street and they recruited a third man to drive them to the home. As Mayhan and Eftekhar attempted to force their way past the door, a firearm discharged and struck Mayhan.

Mayhan’s attorney, Sarah Swain, said Friday that Mayhan had a fairly lengthy relationship with drugs and alcohol. “Certainly the substance-abuse issues are what we believe led the events that brings us here today,” she said.

Mayhan did not choose to address the court before his sentence was read. As part of his probation, he will be required to undergo substance abuse and mental health evaluations and complete any subsequent treatments recommended.

“The bottom line of this whole event is drugs,” District Judge Peggy Kittel said. “The way this event unfolded, you’re lucky to be alive.”

Johns was charged with attempted robbery, attempted aggravated kidnapping and attempted aggravated burglary. Johns is free on a $3,500 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned May 2.