VALDOSTA —
The three Dougherty siblings, accused of a brash string of crimes in three states, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal indictments against them for the alleged robbery of a Valdosta bank last year.
Lee Grace Dougherty, Dylan Stanley Dougherty and Ryan Edward Dougherty appeared at the federal courtroom in Albany Tuesday morning for an initial hearing of federal indictments and a description of the penalties if convicted.
A court-appointed attorney, selected by Magistrate Judge Thomas Q. Langstaff, flanked each sibling as they listened to the charges.
All three Doughertys were indicted on the first two charges presented by federal prosecutor Rob McCullard. The first charge, bank robbery, has a potential sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines, or a combination of both penalties.
The second charge, using a firearm in the commission of a crime, carries a sentence of 10 years to life in prison, and can be served consecutively with other sentences.
Ryan Edward, who was already on probation for two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, was indicted on a third charge of possession of a firearm by a felon, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Lee Grace appeared upbeat before the hearing. She could be seen smiling a few times, as she conversed with her attorney, John Gee Edwards of Valdosta.
Once the hearing was underway, all three Doughertys were attentive. They held their heads high and made eye contact with whomever spoke. But aside from entering their pleas and giving a few affirmative responses to the judge and prosecutor, the three remained mostly silent.
At one moment, Lee Grace gave younger brother, Ryan Edward, a look of sisterly admonishment as he hesitated to answer one of the judge’s questions. Lee Grace also offered the correct pronunciation of the siblings’ last name to the court.
“Make a note, it’s actually pronounced ‘dock-ER-tee’” she said.
Court proceedings for the three are far from over. Because they pleaded not guilty to all of the charges Tuesday morning, their cases will go before a jury.
The trial is pending, but McCullard confirmed that it would be held in Valdosta. The initial hearing was held in Albany, because the city is home to one of the Middle District of Georgia’s three magistrate judges.
Before the Georgia trial begins, the trio will head to Florida to answer charges in relation to an alleged shoot-out and chase with police in the state last summer.
McCullard said Florida has issued a warrant for Ryan Edward and multiple warrants for Lee Grace and Dylan.
“Here we have three young people who have made terrible choices,” the prosecutor said. “[But] as we stand right now, we’re ready to prosecute them fully.”
The three siblings are currently being held in the custody of U.S. marshals for pre-trial detention. Where and when they’ll begin serving the sentences for the Colorado convictions will hinge on whether or not they’re convicted in Georgia and Florida. McCullard says that the detainment logistics will also be at the discretion of the marshals.
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