WSET.com - ABC13Lynchburg Home Invader Sentenced

Lynchburg Home Invader Sentenced

Reporter: Jeremy Mills | Videographer: Ira Quillen

Lynchburg, VA - Lynchburg prosecutors call him the mastermind of a Link Road home invasion robbery back in December of 2010.

A judge has sentenced 23-year-old Stefan Hairston to 20 years in prison even though he still maintains he had no part in the attack of the 81-year-old man.

Prosecutors say they are pleased with the sentenced, but had originally asked the judge for a 28-year sentence.

That's the same punishment given to Charles Horsley, the other man convicted in this robbery.

The victim had planned on being there for the sentencing but he died two weeks ago.  Family members believe this crime is what killed him.

"In my opinion, it was the beginning of the end, yes," said Ted Trevey's Niece.

She says he forever changed on December 21st, 2010, the day an armed man burst into his home and tied him to a chair.

"He was robbed of his confidence.  He was robbed of his ability to feel safe anymore.  He didn't think clearly anymore," she said.

Stefan Hairston previously worked for Trevey and was there during the robbery.  He claims he too was a victim, even though he left the home to cash a $2,000 check while Trevey was held at gunpoint.

"He lied to the bank teller, he lied to Mr. Trevey and he lied to police and he spread fear throughout the community with schools being on lockdown so we asked the judge to show no mercy to him today," said Lynchburg Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Chuck Felmlee.

The prosecution says the worst part, is he still hasn't come clean.

"You come in asking mercy from the judge yet you still claim you are innocent?" said Felmlee.

Hairston mother says she still believes in his innocence.

"I do, yes I do and I will always feel that and I am not finished fighting," said Darlene Hairston.

She thinks the punishment is way too stiff.

"20 years is a lot, an awful lot, for a young man who has never been in any trouble.  Stefan has worked for people for years and never touched anything, never had a reason to," said Darlene Hairston.

Trevey's niece agrees the punishment might have been a little too much.

"I can't say I'm glad for anything, nobody wins you know.  Nobody wins, it's just a very sad thing that he made a choice," she said.

We now know there was a third suspect involved in the home invasion.

Prosecutors say they are still working to bring charges against the man who played the role of getaway driver.