A Rogers teenager was placed on 10 years state supervised probation for his role in a series of drive-by blow dart and paintball shootings and was also ordered not to return for 10 years to the Pinnalce and Scottdale Shopping Centers.
William Goines, 17, pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of battery in the second degree, a Class D felony; and two counts of second-degree assault, a Class B misdemeanor. He pleaded guilty under a plea agreement his attorney Ed McClure reached with Deputy Prosecutor Carrie Dobbs.
Goines was charged as an adult.
He and Jeremy Robert Hendrix, 18, were arrested in October in connection with a series of blowdart and paintball shootings in September. At least 2 of the shootings occurred at the shopping centers.
Detectives discovered the purchase of a blow dart device and darts at Cabela’s and obtained a security photo of the buyer, who they identified as Hendrix, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Dobbs told Circuit Judge Brad Karren that she (Dobbs) had discussed the proposed plea with the police and the victims and they did not object to it.
The deputy prosecutor described the shootings as “very frightening” to the victims, but none of them suffered lasting injuries. Dobbs said some of the victims did seek medical treatment at the hospital.
Dobbs said she believes the plea agreement balances the seriousness of the crimes with what the deputy prosecutor described as mitigating factors in Goines’ favor.
Goines did not have any prior criminal history, according to Dobbs. Goines made the decision to remain in the Benton County Jail after his arrest instead of posting bond, Dobbs said. Goines did not attempt to transfer his case to juvenile court and he has agreed not to seek an early release from his probation.
The judge accepted the plea agreement and Goines’ guilty pleas.
Goines was placed on probation for 10 years with Act 346 which means Goines’ convictions can be expunged if he successfully completes his probation.
Goines cannot petition to be released early from his probation and he must also testify truthfully against Hendrix.
The judge also ordered Goines not to be on the premises of the Pinnacle and Scottsdale Shopping Centers where at least two of the shootings occurred.
Hendrix's case was rescheduled to March 28,