Driver in Archer Robbery Sentenced, Accomplice Will Be Charged as Adult

GAINESVILLE – Amanda Reann Messer, 21, was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 8, to two years in state prison, followed by four years of probation, after entering a plea of nolo contendere to charges of armed burglary and armed robbery. A charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor was dropped.

Messer was arrested on July 26 and accused of driving two juveniles to a residence in Archer and waiting in the car while one of them robbed the victim of cash and the keys to his vehicle by holding him at gunpoint. The juvenile, Anthony Ricchiuti, 16, of Old Town, then allegedly took the victim’s wallet from his truck, got back into Messer’s car, and fled the area.

The vehicle and tag were seen on a surveillance video at the robbery site and the vehicle was later located in Newberry. A search of the vehicle reportedly found a ski mask, the victim’s wallet, a handgun and cash in several denominations.

Messer reportedly said that one of the juveniles had come up with the idea to rob the victim. She was released on her own recognizance with a curfew until her recent court date.

Judge James Colaw accepted Messer’s plea agreement, which included a stipulation that she be sentenced as a youthful offender. She was also ordered to pay $235 restitution to the victim.

Ricchiuti is being charged as an adult and has been formally charged with armed burglary and armed robbery as he was in actual possession of a firearm. He is awaiting trial and is currently in the Alachua County Jail on $500,000 bail.

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