Failed Robbery Attempt Leads to Conviction

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a man who attempted to rob a Dollar General store using a flashlight. Randy Lee Woody, 51, was convicted of Attempted Aggravated Robbery and Assault. Judge Scott Green revoked Woody’s bond and set the case for sentencing on May 31.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Ashley McDermott and Andrea Kline explained to the jury that on January 26, 2018, Woody entered the Dollar General on Circle Oak Drive demanding money. Woody was armed with what appeared to be a handgun but was actually a flashlight wrapped in electrical tape. The clerk and a manager eventually realized the gun was fake and forced Woody out of the store before he was able to take anything. However, Woody does have three prior convictions for Aggravated Robbery involving an actual deadly weapon and one prior conviction for Second Degree Murder. At sentencing, Woody faces a punishment between six and ten years.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.