Sentencing on Robbery of Elderly Victim

Washoe County District Attorney Announces Pair Sentenced to Prison Terms for Robbery of Elderly Sparks Man

October 20, 2015
Reno, Nevada

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office announced today the sentencings of a Fresno man and Washoe County woman for the 2015 robbery of an elderly Reno man.  The pair each received prison sentences in Washoe County District Court after previously pleading guilty in August, 2015. 

Jasmine Paul Sanchez, 26 (DOB 6/12/89), from Fresno, California was sentenced Wednesday, October 14, 2015 on a charge of Robbery to 10 years in prison, with a consecutive 10 year term for an elderly victim enhancement.  Debra Diane Griffin, 27 (DOB 2/4/88) from Washoe County was also sentenced Wednesday on a charge of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery to 4 years in prison.    

The case against Sanchez and Griffin began on March 6, 2015 when the Sparks Police Department responded to a robbery call involving a 63 year old Reno man.  The victim reported being robbed and beaten while helping a homeless couple start a motorhome they were staying in.  According to the investigation, the victim was attempting to jump start the vehicle with his own motorhome when he invited Sanchez and Griffin into his vehicle to stay warm.  A short time later, he was confronted by Sanchez who had his keys.  Sanchez started punching the victim in the face and head, while Griffin began hitting him with a rock.  At one point, Griffin let out two dogs that were in their motorhome and Sanchez commanded the dogs to attack the victim. The victim was then bitten on the arms and back by the dogs and also received a bite on his back from Sanchez. During the robbery, the victim’s keys, cell phone and money from his wallet were stolen.  When interviewed by police, Sanchez admitted to beating the victim and said that, after punching him, he thought he had killed him.

Based on the sentence he received today, Sanchez will not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of 64 months in prison.  Griffin will have to serve a minimum of 19 months in prison before she is eligible for parole.