Getaway driver sentenced to 20 years in Bonaire kidnapping

The getaway driver in last year’s kidnapping of a then 74-year-old Bonaire woman was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday.

Joshua Troy Moore of Warner Robins was sentenced in Houston County Superior Court by Judge Edward D. Lukemire.

The sentencing hearing came immediately after Moore pleaded guilty to kidnapping and the lesser charge of robbery by intimidation, District Attorney George Hartwig said.

Originally, Moore also was indicted on an armed robbery charge. The other charge of theft by taking was dismissed as a part of the plea agreement.

Hartwig said Moore will have to spend 15 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

Moore dropped off and later picked up co-defendant Larry Dean Marchant, who is now in prison after pleading guilty in January to kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary and theft by taking in the case. He must serve 20 years of his 30-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

About 2 p.m. March 19, Patsy Joiner was taking out her trash behind her Wisteria Drive home when she was surprised by a masked, armed man. The man was later identified as Marchant, who had a fake gun. But Joiner did not know that when she was being kidnapped.

Marchant forced Joiner to drive her car through credit union drive-thrus in unsuccessful attempts to withdraw cash. Joiner later escaped by jumping out of her car at an intersection not far from her home.

Marchant sped off in her car, which he later ditched, and Moore picked him up.

Hartwig said Houston County sheriff’s investigators had cellphone records and other evidence indicating Moore was in on the kidnapping from the start.

Hartwig said he was pleased with the disposition of the case, noting that both men got prison time and the victim didn’t have to go through any trials.

Moore’s Macon attorney, Laura D. Hogue, could not be reached immediately for comment late Monday afternoon.

This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Getaway driver sentenced to 20 years in Bonaire kidnapping."