Iraq war vet sentenced to prison for robbery

MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) -- A U.S. veteran who served in Iraq has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after a judge rejected pleas for probation and mental health treatment. Macomb County Judge Mark Switalski acknowledged Robert Charbeneau's military service but says "public safety comes first." Charbeneau's supporters say his personality changed after four years in Iraq, and they believe the 25-year-old suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. The Macomb Daily says Charbeneau pleaded no contest to unarmed robbery. He was accused of snatching the purse of a woman who had left a bank with $3,000. He told the judge that he was using drugs at the time. Switalski noted that Charbeneau was convicted of larceny in Wayne County for stealing jewelry and other items from his stepmother's home. Published: Fri, Jun 21, 2013