Handyman Sentenced for Assault and Battery of Elderly Oconee County Woman

On May 10, 2012, a handyman entered a 73-year-old Oconee County woman's Peacock Drive home and bludgeoned her while she was in bed.  One year to the day later, he pleaded guilty to the crime.

In superior court Friday, Jacob Potter Wagner, now 23, changed his plea to guilty on three counts of aggravated battery, one count aggravated assault and one count burglary. 

A grand jury indicted Wagner on 10 counts, but per the negotiated plea agreement, a charge of criminal attempt to commit murder, an additional aggravated assault charge, two additional counts of burglary and a theft charge were dismissed.

Senior Judge Marvin Sorrells, who sat in for Western Judicial Circuit Judge H. Patrick Haggard, sentenced Wagner to 30 years confinement and 20 years probation, according to court documents.

Additionally, the agreement states Wagner is to have no contact with victim Judith Gilvey.

Gilvey was in intensive care and lost an eye as a result of the attack, which authorities previously said was prompted by a dispute over money.

"We feel this was a good resolution to a very awful case," Assistant District Attorney Kris Bolden told Patch.  He said he thoroughly discussed the case with Gilvey and she was satisfied with the plea arrangement.

"Whatever closure this can provide, I'm glad she doesn't have to go through a trial," he said.

Patch left a message for public defender Michelle Billars Friday afternoon.

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