A Dallas, Texas man averted trial in Caddo District Court Monday, July 24, 2017, pleading guilty to simple burglary just before proceedings were to start.
Markeith Antwan Hollywood, 30, normally would face up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000 when he returns to District Judge Roy Brun’s courtroom Thursday, July 27, 2017. However, the state plans to file a multiple-offender bill, which would subject Hollywood to imprisonment of at least 20 years and up to life in prison.
Hollywood was set for jury trial in Section 4 before Brun, as one of three individuals discovered by Shreveport Police in the Thrifty Liquor in the 3400 block of Youree Drive early September 4, 2016. Surveillance footage showed forceful entry with a crowbar by the three and the use of a sledgehammer to break open the safe in the business.
All three defendants were found with large sums of cash on their persons. A backpack with cash and money orders was found with the trio as well.
Hollywood was given no offers and pleaded guilty while still being subject to the multiple-offender bill. He is now incarcerated in Caddo Correctional Center pending sentencing.
Co-defendant Claude McQueen now is jailed in Texas on similar charges. The third defendant, Justin Myers, will be in court next month.
Prosecutors are Aaron Crawford and Bill Edwards. Hollywood’s defense attorney is Stephen Collins.