Pensacola Man Sentenced to Life in Prison as Habitual Felony Offender

October 25, 2016

State Attorney Bill Eddins announced that William George Kunkel was sentenced by Circuit Judge W. Joel Boles to life in state prison as a Habitual Felony Offender. Kunkel pled to the charges of Robbery Armed with a Firearm and Aggravated Assault by Threat with a Firearm.

On August 28, 2015, Kunkel entered Dixie’s Antiques and Collectibles on Pensacola Blvd. and pointed a firearm at the clerk. Kunkel stole multiple items from the store, including certain silver dollar coins. He then led the clerk to her car at gunpoint and she drove him to the Circle K on Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road. Kunkel then fled the scene. When Kunkel was arrested, three days later, the silver dollar coins were found in his backpack. Kunkel was later identified in a photo lineup by the victim.

In 1984, William George Kunkel was sentenced to 30 years in state prison followed by 5 years of probation for armed robbery. His prior criminal history also included Attempted Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Escape, and Grand Theft. He was currently on probation for the 1984 armed robbery when arrested for this crime.

The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Jeremiah Monahan.