Robbie Stone hasn?t always been the best example of an upstanding citizen.
His rap sheet includes charges of burglary, reckless driving, malicious destruction of property, possession of a concealed weapon and theft.
In 2003, Stone, 37, of Columbia, was convicted in Howard County Circuit Court of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, attempted second-degree burglary and resisting arrest.
But last month, Stone was honored as one of three recipients of the Howard County Police?s Citizen?s Award at the department?s2005 Awards Ceremony.
The department honored Stone because of his help in the investigation into the death of Natasha Bacchus, 31, of Stewartstown, Pa., who was found dead in the parking lot of The Meeting House at Dorsey?s Search last March, police spokeswoman Pfc. Jennifer Reidy said.
“A Citizen?s Award is for whenever a citizen renders valuable or courageous assistance to members of the department,” Reidy said.
“Robbie Stone was valuable in the homicide investigation. He was helpful to police.”
Stone was the only eyewitness to the altercation between Bacchus and Melissa Burch Harton, 26, of Columbia, that led to Bacchus? death by strangulation. Harton is now contesting the 10 years in prison she must serve after she was found guilty earlier this year of involuntary manslaughter.
During Harton?s trial, which began Feb. 1, Stone testified for the prosecution that he saw Harton straddling Bacchus near Ellicott City?s Centennial Park on March 9, 2005. But defense attorneys argued that Stone was helping police in order to curry favor with the department. Prosecutors called that assertion preposterous.
Harton?s attorney, Michael Kaminkow, said Wednesday that he doesn?t think Stone helped police and prosecutors much because Stone?s past indiscretions made him unbelievable on the stand.
“I don?t think the jury considered him to be credible,” he said. “I don?t think he helped at all.”
Stone could not be reached for comment.
