Charges that were dismissed without prejudice earlier this year have been filed again against a Sedalia resident for an alleged incident on January 15.
A probable-cause statement says authorities responded to Casey’s General Store on 16th Street, where an employee said a black male subject entered the store and demanded that he open the register. The employee said he paused, and the suspect demanded again that he open the register. The employee says the suspect then pulled a hatchet out of his jacket and raised it, which caused the employee to step back. The employee said the suspect then hit the register with the hatchet, and then the employee gave the suspect the bills in the drawer. The suspect then fled the scene. The employee said he recognized the suspect because they had previously worked together at another establishment.
Through the use of surveillance video and witness information, the suspect was identified as Freddie M. Thomas, and he was later arrested.
Thomas has been charged with a Class A Felony for Robbery in the First Degree; a Class E Felony for Unlawful Use of a Weapon- Exhibiting; and an Unclassified Felony for Armed Criminal Action. Cash or surety Bond has been set lower than what would normally be considered reasonable because these charges have previously been dismissed for lack of prosecution at $50,000. Bond when the initial charges were filed was set at $100,000 cash or surety.
Thomas’ initial hearing is pending at Pettis County Circuit Court.