DECATUR - The driver of the getaway car in a pair of armed robberies of pizzerias in December was sentenced Wednesday to four years in prison for his guilty plea to a reduced charge of aggravated robbery in one of the holdups.

Brandon S. Morgan-Harris, 19, cooperated with police as soon as he was arrested Dec. 17, shortly after the robbery of Del Carmen's Pizza, 1601 W. Grand Ave. He answered ' questions and admitted his role in that holdup, as well as one at Damon and Devin's Pizza, 1691 W. King St., on Dec. 2.

Circuit Judge Katherine McCarthy suggested that Morgan-Harris would be a good candidate for Impact incarceration, a program of military-style drill and discipline, coupled with education and substance abuse evaluation and treatment. If the 120- to 180-day program is successfully completed, that would be the end of his incarceration.

Morgan-Harris requested the program, and McCarthy said she would recommend it for him. She said it remained for the Illinois Department of Corrections to determine if he was suitable for Impact.

In consideration for his cooperation and agreeing to testify against two co-defendants if necessary, the Class X felony charge of armed robbery filed against him was reduced to the Class 1 felony charge of aggravated robbery, and the state agreed to cap its request for a prison sentence at no more than six years, said Assistant State's Attorney Steven Langhoff.

The state could have sought up to 15 years in prison for the lesser offense.

On Wednesday, Langhoff requested Morgan-Harris be sentenced to five years in prison, rather than be granted probation requested by defense attorney Scott Reuter.

Although Morgan-Harris was not the one with the gun entering the business, he was just as responsible for the robbery because he knew when he drove Rashaad O. Carothers and Ronnie D. Covington to the pizzeria that a robbery was planned, Langhoff said.

Reuter said it was difficult not to agree with the state's position. He said he was "leaving it to the court to see what is worth saving with Brandon" who had admitted his mistakes and demonstrated remorse for his actions.

Carothers, 19, and Covington, 16, pleaded guilty to one count each of armed robbery. Carothers was sentenced to 12 years in prison and Covington to seven years.

Ron Ingram can be reached at ringram@herald-review.com or 421-7973.