Armed Robber Sentenced to Life

Brandon Keenan Potts, 26, of Powder Springs, was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for being a gunman who assaulted and terrorised a Douglas County family during a violent home invasion and robbery last August. 

Potts pleaded guilty to three counts of Armed Robbery, one count of kidnapping, five counts of cruelty to children in the first degree and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to a press release from Douglas County District Attorney David McDade.

Potts was sentenced to a term of life in prison, plus an additional five years, for being one of four people accused of being involved with robbing a family on Aug. 9, 2011. The remaining three people face similar charges and are expected to go to trial in the early spring, Assistant District Attorney Nedal Shawkat stated in the release.

During the hearing, Douglas County investigator John Sweat told the court that the victims, who were four adults and four children, were awakened shortly before midnight by three masked men who had kicked-in the front door. Once inside the residence, the men held the victims hostage at gun point, and demanded money. They also tied some family members up with zip ties.

One of the victims called a relative while the armed robbery was occurring. The phone call helped 911 operators' direct authorities to the house. Potts and another person were apprehended shortly after arrived on the scene.

Potts was captured after he walked out of the house and dropped his 9mm handgun. He later admitted to robbing the victims with the gun and restraining at least two victims. Authorities used the admission to arrest one of those charged in the case. The fourth person arrested is accused of being the getaway driver and masterminding the armed robbery.

“Violent criminals committing violent crimes like these are why we build maximum security prisons,” said District Attorney McDade in the release. “Potts has earned the right to never see daylight again as far as I’m concerned. He should only ever leave prison to meet his maker.”