By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–A 28-year-old Columbiana man was arrested for second-degree robbery and first-degree theft of property after allegedly committing a theft of U.S. currency and threatened the imminent use of force against a victim on March 20 according to his arrest warrant.

The Calera Police Department arrested William Matthew Lawson, who lists an address in the 300 block of U.S. 97 in Columbiana, on March 22 on two Class B felony charges of second-degree robbery and first-degree theft of property.

According to Lawson’s arrest warrant, the incident took place on March 20 when Lawson allegedly “in the course of committing, or attempting to commit a theft of U.S. Currency, used force or threatened the imminent use of force against the victim and escaping with the property.”

The plan Lawson had was then to “sell or transfer the property to another person or business with the value of the property stolen being at least $1,000,” according to his arrest warrant.

Lawson remains in the Shelby County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

Second-degree robbery and first-degree theft of property are both Class B felonies and each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.