Austell man gets 20 years in prison for armed robbery and assault

Cobb District Attorney Flynn Broady Jr. announced that an Austell man, Rayquan Hakeem Leatherberry, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for armed robbery and assault. 

Leatherberry, 20, pleaded guilty to armed robbery, three counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The incidents in question occurred in July 2021, with an armed robbery and assault reported at the Legacy at West Cobb apartment complex on Favor Road, near Osborne High School. 

The victim informed the police that he had been robbed at gunpoint and slapped by Leatherberry, who made threatening statements about not talking to the police. Leatherberry was identified and arrested through a photo lineup. During the investigation, it was revealed that Leatherberry was also linked to a shooting at the Pines at West Cobb apartment complex on Hammondton Road.

Leatherberry admitted to shooting a pistol in retaliation for an alleged shooting by one of the individuals he targeted. He was also involved in a fight with six other inmates at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on Nov. 4, 2022.

In the Cobb Superior Court, Judge Sonja Brown sentenced Leatherberry to two 20-year prison terms for the 2021 incidents, along with over $6,000 in fines. 

As part of his sentence, Leatherberry is required to work toward obtaining his GED. Additionally, he received a two-year prison sentence for his involvement in the jail fight, with all sentences to run concurrently.

Judge Brown emphasized that the sentencing was a consequence of Leatherberry’s actions and that he has the opportunity to make decisions that will shape the rest of his life.

The plea deal and the condition to obtain his GED were reached after extensive discussions with the victims affected by Leatherberry’s crimes. 

District Attorney Broady stated that while Leatherberry must face the consequences of his actions in prison, he is also encouraged to use this time to work on himself and better his future.