Lexington, SC 07/17/2023 (Paul Kirby) – According to Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard's office, Jeremy Gerome Junious, 35 of Columbia, pled guilty to Burglary First Degree First Degree last week in a Lexington County court. He was then sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Thomas W. Cooper to twenty-two years in prison. Under South Carolina law, Burglary First Degree is categorized as a violent, “no parole” offense. This means that Junious will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he can be considered for release.
The case was prosecutor in his case was Assistant Solicitor Luke Pincelli. The investigation was handled by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the prosecutor’s office, on April 9, 2022, Junious broke into an occupied residence in the West Columbia area of Lexington County. He initially demanded that the victim open the door to the home. When the victim did not comply, Junious used his firearm to shoot out the lock on he door before forcing his way inside the house. Once inside, Junious engaged in a shootout with the man living in the home. As a result of this gunfire, Junious, the man, and a child all sustained injuries. They all have since recovered from their wounds.
Based on the investigation, law enforcement was able to determine that Junious and the victim had children in common. The victim and her current boyfriend lived in this West Columbia residence with the children. On this day, Junious was violating a Family Court Order when he arrived at the residence demanding to be allowed inside and to take his children. During the burglary, Junious did pick up one of the toddlers and left the home.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to the residence and were able to locate Junious on the side of the road in his car a few blocks from the crime scene. He was suffering from gunshot wounds with the child on his lap. Deputies were able to rescue the child and take Junious into custody without further issue.
Judge Cooper referenced the possible penalties during the plea because defense counsel requested the minimum sentence for Junious. Burglary First Degree carries 15 years to a life sentence. Judge Cooper stated that the minimum sentence was not appropriate in this case especially because of the harm to the young child.
Junious has been transported to the SCDC to begin serving his sentence.
