A robbery at the Outback Steakhouse in Stockbridge has resulted in a lifetime prison sentence for the perpetrator.

Joseph Yarn was convicted Oct. 6 of six counts of armed robbery, 11 counts of aggravated assault, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The jury deliberated for three days before reaching a verdict.

According to the evidence the jury heard, Yarn and two other masked men entered the restaurant July 13, 2019, after 11 p.m. They pointed guns at multiple employees and patrons, including a family with children. The children hid under the table as the robbers ordered the employees to open the safe.

The robbers took cell phones, cash drawers, tip envelopes and gift cards from nine employees, according to prosecutors.
Yarn and his accomplices then led police on a high-speed chase and fired multiple rounds at a pursuing police officer. He was captured a short time later.

Henry County Superior Court Judge Pandora E. Palmer sentenced Yarn to six concurrent life sentences plus 15 consecutive years in prison followed by 10 years on probation. Yarn, 30, of Jonesboro, also must stay away from all Outback Steakhouses and have no contact with the victims.

“This defendant and his accomplices destroyed the peace of mind of an entire community that evening. I am thankful for our team, who worked hard with law enforcement to secure this conviction,” District Attorney Darius Pattillo said. “This life sentence speaks to how seriously we take the safety of individuals, families and businesses in Henry County.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Selwin Patterson and Robert Fickett.