On July 18, 2025, Anthony Kent was sentenced to 35 years in prison with 30 to serve by Superior Court Judge Ronald Thompson for his role in the April 16, 2024 shooting of Statesboro Police Officer Joey DeLoach.
District Attorney Robert Busbee asked the judge for the maximum of 40 years with 30 to serve and 10 probated, and additionally, that Kent would be banished from the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit for the probated time.
Kent had previously entered an open-ended guilty plea on July 8, 2025, to the following felony charges:
- Count 1: Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer – Sentenced to 20 years
- Count 2: Entering an Automobile with Intent to Commit Theft – Sentenced to 5 years consecutive
- Count 3: Entering an Automobile with Intent to Commit Theft- Sentenced to 5 years concurrent
- Count 4: Theft by Receiving Stolen Property – Sentenced to 10 years with 5 to serve consecutive
- Count 5: Obstruction of an Officer
*Please note that Count 5 merged with Count 1.
These charges stemmed from a series of events on the night of April 16, 2024, at Copper Beech Townhomes in Statesboro. Officers responded to reports of an individual entering vehicles. During the response, Officer Joey DeLoach was shot and sustained life-threatening injuries. He has since made a significant recovery.
District Attorney Robert Busbee led prosecution on the case and issued the following statement:
“I appreciate Judge Thompson for recognizing the seriousness of this case and delivering a sentence that sends a clear message: violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. I was proud to stand in court for Officer DeLoach, the Statesboro Police Department, and our community.”