Reno Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Robbery and Battery

District Attorney Announces Sentencing In Case Involving Elderly Victim

September 6, 2016

Reno, Nevada

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office announces the sentencing of a Reno man to 27 years in prison on charges of robbery and battery committed against an elderly victim.  The sentence ensures that the defendant will serve a minimum of 11 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

Leonard Green, 51, from Reno was sentenced last Friday to 27.5 years in prison on one count of Robbery and to 12 years in prison for one count of Battery Causing Substantial Bodily Harm.  Both charges carried an elderly victim enhancement, which applies in cases where a victim is over the age of 60.  In this case, the elderly female victim was 90 years old at the time of the crime. The sentences were set to run concurrent by the court.   

This case began on November 20, 2015, when the Reno Police Department responded to a local casino on a report of a robbery.  Officers determined that Green was seen watching the victim as she played penny slots. Video of the incident was obtained that showed the victim at the slots and the defendant circling back around her and hovering over her before grabbing her purse and running towards the casino door.  The victim’s purse had been looped over her shoulder and as Green ran, he pulled the victim to the ground. Green pulled with enough force to break off the outer pocket of the purse.  The victim consequently suffered a broken hip.  Green was arrested and this office filed formal criminal charges.

At sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Kevin Naughton presented information that the victim had previously been independent and worked part-time.  However, the injuries caused by the defendant have resulted in her becoming reliant on others to assist her with daily activities and she is no longer able to work. The victim must now use a walker and she no longer travels to Reno, which she enjoyed.

Green had a lengthy criminal history prior to this case and had previously been convicted of eight felonies from California, including recent convictions for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.