NATCHEZ — A Natchez man believed to have robbed an acquaintance twice in one week in February was sentenced Tuesday to serve 12 years in prison.

Adams County Circuit Court Judge Lillie Blackmon Sanders handed down the sentence to John Stephen Dillard, 27, 8 Old Lewis Lane, for two counts of simple robbery.

Dillard reportedly robbed and pistol-whipped an acquaintance at Cedarhurst Apartments in February. Dillard also reportedly robbed and pistol-whipped the same man again the next day.

Dillard has prior felony convictions in Adams County, including armed robbery, felony malicious mischief and grand larceny.

He was most recently charged as the second of three suspects in the Aug. 5 robbery and assault of a North Union Street man.