Trial set for two accused of roughing up elderly man, stealing motorcycle

A jury trial has been set for January for two men accused of roughing up an 81-year-old man and stealing a motorcycle.

According to the arrest report, Frederick Atherton III, 22, and Ralph Allen Keith Jr., 24, allegedly burst into an Airport Road apartment about 1:45 a.m. Aug. 28 searching for the resident's grandson.

When the grandfather told them to leave, both suspects allegedly shoved him then grabbed a motorcycle parked in the apartment and pushed it outside and down Woodside Drive.

The victim was able to identify the two suspects by name, the report states.

A passerby who allegedly saw the men beating down the door called police.

Officers located the motorcycle in a backyard on Woodside Drive.

During questioning, Atherton allegedly said the grandson gave the motorcycle to him as collateral for a $50 debt.

Atherton and Keith pleaded not guilty to charges of felony robbery of a victim over 65, home invasion and grand larceny of an auto. A trial has been set for Jan. 25.

Also before Judge Todd Russell on Monday:

• Donald Bigpond, 27, was sentenced to 19-60 months in prison on a charge of third-offense domestic battery.

• Garrett Blackwell, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of malicious destruction of property. Sentencing is set for Feb. 28. He allegedly used a pellet gun to shoot out 13 windows on a business on Arrowhead Drive.

• A bench warrant was issued for Joshua Cottiero, 20, for failure to appear for sentencing on an attempted burglary charge.

• Josh Grow, 28, pleaded not guilty to possession of controlled substance. A trial is set for April 5.

• Christopher Derrell Stehlin, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary. Each count carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

• Steven John White, 23, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary. Each count carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.