Man accused of setting up Lawrence ‘Purge’ mask robberies sentenced to 32 months

photo by: Douglas County Sheriff's Office

True J. Shipley

The man who police say was behind a series of armed burglaries was sentenced Monday to 32 months in prison.

True J. Shipley, 21, pleaded no contest to three counts of robbery on Oct. 15, the Journal-World reported. After his release from prison, Shipley will have 24 months of post-release supervision, Dorothy Kliem, trial assistant for the Douglas County district attorney’s office, said via email Monday.

Police alleged that Shipley set up marijuana buys with people he knew were selling, but instead of buying, his friends robbed victims in three Lawrence homes in February and March of 2018.

During the burglaries, the men reportedly wore masks from the movie “The Purge.” One man was shot when he reportedly came home and interrupted a burglary at his apartment.

Shipley was initially charged with nine counts, seven of which were felony counts of aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery, court documents show.

Shipley will get credit for 80 days of time served, and he’s eligible for up to 15% good time credit, Kliem said. He also must register as a violent offender for 15 years.

Two of Shipley’s co-defendants have been sentenced, and a third has been convicted.

Rodney L. McNeal, 23, pleaded no contest and was convicted of robbery and aggravated battery, both felonies; he was sentenced on May 21 to 34 months in prison. Corey T. Allen, 31, pleaded no contest and was convicted Sept. 10 of three felony charges: robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threat. He was sentenced Nov. 18 to almost five years in prison.

Justice L. Dent, 21, of Lawrence, pleaded no contest Dec. 3 to two counts of robbery. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 7.

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