Cepeda sentenced to 13 years in prison for robbing tourist

Vincent Rodriguez Cepeda, the man who was convicted of robbing a tourist while armed with a machete, must spend 13 years at the Department of Corrections.

The Superior Court sentenced him late yesterday afternoon to eight years for Second-Degree Robbery as a Second-Degree Felony and five years for the Special Allegation of Possession or Use of a Deadly Weapon in the Commission of a Felony.

Several good Samaritans testified at trial and identified Cepeda. The witnesses testified that they observed him holding a woman’s bag and that he had a machete as he attempted to flee the scene.

“Regardless of what a victim’s skin color is or what country someone might be from, everyone is treated equally under the law. The good Samaritans that testified in this case and assisted in the defendant’s apprehension did our community proud,” said Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Phelps.

“We want to thank the court for its sentence because it shows that violent offenders will be held accountable. Everyone who is on the island should be safe, whether you call Guam home or are visiting,” said Prosecutor Rolland Wimberley who appeared on behalf of the People at yesterday’s sentencing hearing.

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