VIDALIA — A Ridgecrest man was sentenced to prison Thursday for his role in a November 2015 robbery and assault of a 61-year-old man, as well as other crimes.

Concordia Parish Assistant District Attorney Ann Siddall said Edward D. Wells, 44, pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and aggravated battery. He received eight years in the Department of Corrections for each crime, and the sentences are to run concurrent.

Wells was arrested in late November, along with Crystal Nichole Dennis, 31, of Ridgecrest, for enticing a 61-year-old man to enter their vehicle under false pretense at the Handi-Pak on U.S. 84 in Ridgecrest at approximately 7 a.m. Nov. 25.

Once in the vehicle, the two allegedly drove the victim to a levee on Louisiana 15 in the Deer Park area, robbed and stabbed him in the back several times before leaving him on the side of the road.

A passing motorist found the victim and — having seen the fleeing vehicle — gave a description of the car and license plate number to Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies.

The victim was taken to Merit Health Natchez and later transferred to University Medical Center in Jackson and released.

Wells was originally charged with armed robbery and attempted second-degree murder, but pleaded to the lesser charges.

U.S. marshals arrested Wells and Dennis Dec. 1 in Nashville, driving a stolen vehicle from Mississippi.

As a result of Wells’ plea, charges against Dennis were dismissed, Siddall said.

Wells was also sentenced Thursday in a separate home invasion case that occurred in November 2015.

He pleaded guilty to home invasion, for which he received eight years, and simple robbery, for which he received seven years.

In that case, Siddall said the victim allowed a homeless woman apparently acquainted with Wells to stay at his residence. The woman reportedly caused problems, left the residence and returned an hour later with Wells, who forced himself inside the residence and stole items.

Siddall said Wells is currently in state corrections custody serving time for a crime committed in Catahoula Parish.

Concordia Parish District Attorney Brad Burget said he is pleased with the outcome of the case.

“Edward Wells is a violent offender, and for public safety, I am pleased he will serve a lengthy jail sentence,” he said.