DEARBORN/DETROIT – For nine years, Baha and Mariam Saad employed Alejandro “Eric” Jimmerson at their Starters Bar & Grill business in Fairlane Mall in Dearborn and eventually allowed him stay in one of their rented houses while paying his utilities so he could get back on his feet. 

But now, Jimmerson will spend at least the next 10 years behind bars after he entered a plea bargain for an armed robbery charge against him at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 15. The maximum length of his sentence will be 15 years for Jimmerson, who was involved in an armed robbery attempt in March during which Mariam Saad, the co-owner of Starters and Baha Saad's wife, was held up at gunpoint as she attempted to pick up cash from her business on the morning of Monday, March 15. Jimmerson had inside information on when the cash pick-up would occur and was aided three other men during the incident. After being held up, Mariam Saad tailed the men in her car while alerting 911 before Dearborn Police gave chase. One of the men fired at police before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide, while another was eventually captured.

The captured suspect's testimony eventually led to the apprehension of Jimmerson, age 41, and Shantez Washington, 25, the driver. Washington also faced armed robbery charges and entered a plea for a conspiracy to commit armed robbery charge that will give him 4-10 years in prison as well. 

Mariam Saad said it felt good to see justice in the case that she deemed an “inside job,” although she was disappointed that Jimmerson was allowed to stay free on bond until January 12. 

“He's been roaming free since March, they should have taken him away today,” she said. She also said she forgave Washington and the man who testified and is now in prison. But she's still beside herself about Jimmerson's betrayal. 

“The main person I have an issue with is 'Eric,' that's the one you trust, the one that knows you.” 

The Saads thanked Dearborn Police for their work on the case, especially Detective Sergeant Lance Thomas.

“Dearborn Police and the prosecutor's office did a superb job on the case,” Baha Saad said.