Ada man pleads no contest in assault of 85-year-old, gets 30-year sentence

Trey Lee Irvin, 19, on Friday pleaded no contest in Pontotoc County District Court to felony charges of attempted murder, first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, automobile larceny, maiming and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The sentences for the various counts range from seven to 30 years in prison, and will run concurrently. Irvin will not be eligible for parole for more than 25 years, Pontotoc County Assistant District Attorney James Tillison said.

“This was a brutal, brutal attack,” Tillison said. “The victim is still suffering the physical effects, but he's a strong man and has regained a lot of his independence.”

Sheriff's deputies in January 2011 found Claude Arterburn unconscious in his home after having been badly beaten with a baseball bat. He had been asleep in his bed when his attackers broke into his home, the court affidavit states.

Arterburn's pickup, cash and a rifle were stolen from his house.

Daniel Vivier, 18, and Grant Ellis Johnson, 18, face the same charges as Irvin in connection with the assault and robbery. Their cases are pending.