Century Employee Enters ‘Not Guilty’ Plea In Fight Case

February 20, 2009

The Town of Century employee that reportedly left a state prisoner unattended in a store parking lot while he got into fight inside the store has entered a plea of not guilty in Escambia Circuit Court.

Robert Allen Powell, 56, of Century entered the not guilty plea along with a request for a jury trial through his attorney. Powell had been scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Powell’s jury trial is scheduled for April 13.

Powell reportedly got into a fight with Randall Keith Grimes, 47, of Century at the town’s Dollar General store.

Powell stopped at the Dollar General in a town truck along with a prisoner from the Century Correctional Institute that was on work detail for the town. Powell reported went into the store to purchase cold medication, leaving the prisoner unattended in the parking lot. Inside the store, Powell ended up in the altercation with Grimes.

Their stories differ on what happened. Powell told deputies that Grimes called him names and then punched him. Grimes said Powell called him a “retard” and a “bastard” before Powell punched him in the face. Powell told deputies the entire incident stemmed from Grimes’ involvement with his ex-wife.

The report says store surveillance video shows that Powell threw the first punch, according to the ECSO report. Powell was arrested on a battery warrant, and released on a $2,500 bond.

Powell filed for a restraining order to keep Grimes away from him, but that order was denied by Circuit Judge Kim Skievaski.

The only action the Town of Century took against Powell for leaving the prisoner unattended was a verbal reprimand, according to Mayor Freddie McCall.

Comments

One Response to “Century Employee Enters ‘Not Guilty’ Plea In Fight Case”

  1. alb on February 20th, 2009 10:13 am

    I still think Mr. Powell needs to be let go from his job. He is jealous of his ex-wife dating Mr. Grimes and from what I hear– He’s mad because his ex got more land than he did. Please Mr. Powell–leave these two people alone and let them live in peace.. They are good people . MS. Rhonda has been doing my nails for serveral years and she is the sweetest person.