The Selma Times-Journal

The gunman involved in the robbery of an elderly Selma woman who was visiting a local cemetery was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison.

Dallas County Circuit Judge Tommy Jones, taking into account the escalating crimes of the 24-year-old, sentenced Pollard C. Williams to what state prosecutors hope will be a life term.

“It’s basically a life sentence,” said John Waddell, assistant district attorney. “We wanted to make sure he’s out of this community for a while.”

Authorities said Williams was “the man with the gun” on March 19, 2006, when he and two others pulled up and robbed the woman at gunpoint, taking her cell phone, digital camera and her purse.

Christopher Ward, who was the lookout during the heist, made a deal with prosecutors to testify against Williams, who was set to stand trial on Monday.

Ward pled guilty Monday in exchange for a 15-year-sentence.

Williams had four previous convictions, according to court documents, including charges of robbery and burglary.