Jacob Pennington, a 20-year-old suspect in a string of teen violence cases in the East Valley, was sentenced to probation and deferred jail time in connection to a teen violence case last year.
Pennington agreed to plead guilty to the November 2023 aggravated assault in a case out of Pinal County. Pennington was one of two people arrested.
RELATED: ABC15 speaks with mom of alleged 'Gilbert Goon'
After his arrest, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Pennington told deputies he was a part of the "Gilbert Goons."
"This has got to stop in our community and us standing up is critical to that," said Carey Bailey.
She said that's what they discussed with their now 17-year-old son Brigham Bailey after he was assaulted back in November 2023.
His family spoke out for the first time in the courtroom Monday and later with ABC15 as they left court.
In court, Brigham and his family called the attack unprovoked. The teen's mom described to ABC15 the emotional "torture" and anxiety that followed the assault.
"For 'Brig' he had to change his schooling situation, just because of the stress and the trauma," said Carey. "It's changed the way he approaches life."
Have a news tip related to teen violence in the Valley? Email us at teenviolence@abc15.com
ABC15’s Ashley Holden was in the courtroom Monday when a judge sentenced Pennington to three years of supervised probation and 120 days of deferred jail time along with “gang terms.”
"This has nothing to do with the 'Gilbert Goons'," said the Judge. "But the statements that were made in the video as to colors or association with colors, I do believe gang terms are necessary."
Pennington did not make a statement in or outside of court, but his attorney insisted the only “Gilbert Goons” his client was a part of was a social media group. He told us Pennington is not a part of the group Gilbert Police classified as a hybrid criminal street gang in May.
"The term the "Gilbert Goons" has been wrongfully attributed to him for a group chat that 40 people were in back in high school," said attorney Chris Doran.
ABC15 has reached out to PCSO for clarification on statements that were made to deputies after Pennington was arrested.
The Baileys told ABC15 as they left court this sentencing is a step towards accountability.
"I was a little bit disappointed there wasn't jail time but still grateful for the justice provided," said Brigham. "If what they were saying was true, if he has an opportunity to turn his life around that's all I can ask for."
The judge said it was not a statement regarding the “Gilbert Goons," but felt it was necessary due to what was mentioned in the video of the assault. She said that means he can’t associate with anyone who has gang ties.
The victim and his family spoke out and gave powerful statements, with the victim calling the attack “unprovoked” and “cowardly."
This is the first of two sentencings for Pennington this week. He also was arrested and charged in another case out of Maricopa County. That attack again took place at the Gilbert In-N-Out, which has been the location of multiple teen violence cases.
ABC15 will stay on top of these developments and will bring you any updates as they come into our newsroom.
ABC15 is taking action to get the answers needed as teen violence incidents occur in the East Valley. Follow our latest coverage here.
