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Hernando Today

Teen Takes 3-Year Prison Sentence For Burglary

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: January 9, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - A three year prison stay was given to a teenager Thursday for her role in an armed burglary that injured a 93-year-old man.

Natasha Raiola, 16, faced more than 30 years with the Department of Corrections, but the victim in the case asked for leniency. Assistant State Attorney Don Barbee said in circuit court that the two knew each other.

Raiola's age also allowed her sentence to be reduced under the "youthful offender" guidelines.

Investigators considered Raiola more of an accomplice to the May 22 home invasion, which happened around 9:30 p.m. on the 1100 block of Lodge Circle.

When the victim answered the door bell, David Barnes pushed his way inside the home, causing the victim to fall and cut his head. Barnes held a gun to the victim's head while Raiola searched the house for goods, according to the sheriff's office.

The two fled in the victim's gray 2007 Toyota Corolla with $387 in cash and a cell phone. The pair were arrested roughly a month later on armed home invasion charges, along with grand theft and abuse of the elderly.
Court records show Barnes pleaded no contest in December and was given four years in prison.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com

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