CEDAR RAPIDS - Robert Watkins III has admitted his role in a robbery that led to the beating of Cedar Rapids Police Officer Tim Davis.

Watkins, 15, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree robbery and interference with official acts causing injury stemming from the March 29 robbery of David Scanlon, 20, of Cedar Rapids, in the 1600 block of First Ave. NE.

Watkins made his plea during a scheduled arraignment hearing, Assistant Linn County Attorney Jerry VanderSanden said. He said Watkins remains in juvenile custody pending sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.

Although his plea was heard in adult court, recent changes in state law mean Watkins will be referred back to juvenile court for sentencing, according to VanderSanden. He expects Watkins to be assigned to the Boys State Training School in Eldora until he’s about to turn 18, when he’ll be returned to adult court for another sentencing.

“The likelihood is he’ll be there until he’s brought up again for sentencing as an adult,” said VanderSanden.

The judge will review Watkins’ progress, or lack of it, in the juvenile system before handing down an adult sentence.

“Judge (Nancy) Baumgartner warned him that in a worse-case scenario he could be looking at 30 years,” VanderSanden said.

Davis, 30, suffered severe head injuries when he was assaulted after responding to the robbery. When two of the three suspects ran, Davis’ partner pursued them, leaving Davis alone with Jose Rockiett, 17, near the corner of A Avenue and 16th Street NE. The other officer returned to find Davis unconscious.

Arrested the day after the incident, Rockiett is charged in adult court with first-degree robbery against Scanlon, and willful injury causing serious injury and interference with official acts causing serious injury and/or while displaying a dangerous weapon against Davis. His trial is set for July 27.

The third youth, Maurice Harden, 15, of Cedar Rapids, is charged as an adult with first-degree robbery and interference with official acts causing serious injury.

Hospitalized until early May, Davis is recovering at home. Family members say he’s under 24-hour supervision and has problems with short-term memory and with problems requiring abstract thinking.