Officers with the DeFuniak Springs Police responded to Wee Care Park in reference a strong armed Robbery on Thursday, June 29, 2012 at approximately 7 PM. 23 year old Shandonna Goldsmith, of DeFuniak Springs, reported that a black male had forcefully taken $40.00 and a purple cell phone valued at approximately $180.00 while she was at Wee Care Park with her child.
Goldsmith further stated that the suspect, who she was familiar and believed his nickname was “Dick” or “Buster,” had approached her and asked to borrow money. She reportedly told the suspect “no.” The suspect continued to request money and advised her that he knew she had been paid. Goldsmith told the suspect “no” again and a struggle ensued. The suspect grabbed Goldsmith’s purse and took money from her wallet and her cell phone. Goldsmith began screaming and tried to stop the suspect by grabbing his hair. The suspect choked Goldsmith and threw her down on the pavement, causing abrasions to her arms. The suspect then reportedly fled in a gold van. A witness overheard the incident and observed the suspect robbing Goldsmith and fleeing the scene.
Officers were able to find the suspect’s hair strands on the ground along with a cell phone belonging to the suspect. A pay stub was also located with the name of “Staci Anderson,” of DeFuniak Springs. Officers were able to track down Anderson and determine that her boyfriend had been driving her gold van, that was used in the robbery. Anderson’s boyfriend was identified as 29 year old Jerome Riley, Jr., of DeFuniak Springs.
Goldsmith was shown a photo line-up and positively identified Riley as the suspect. Riley was located and voluntarily questioned by Officers regarding the incident. He denied robbing Goldsmith, but admitted the encounter. Based on the victim’s statement, witness’s statement, and evidence found at the scene, Riley was arrested. Riley was also found to have a warrant out of Clinch County, Georgia for Armed Robbery.
Jerome Riley, Jr. was transported to the Walton County Department of Corrections and booked on charges of Robbery, Petit Theft, and Fugitive from Justice for the warrant out of Georgia. Riley is currently being held in the Walton County Jail on a $10,000 bond for the local charges, with a hold for Georgia authorities.