Gang Member Who Tried to Rob Area Jewelry Store Gets 20 Years

REDWOOD CITY, CA – A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in state prison Wednesday morning in connection with a 2013 attempted armed robbery at a jewelry store near Menlo Park, according to prosecutors.

In addition to the sentence, a judge denied Leonard Gaines probation and gave him credit for the 1,494 days he's already served, San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

A jury had found Gaines guilty of robbery, use of a firearm and possession of a firearm while being a felon, according to Wagstaffe.

On Jan. 16, 2013 Gaines, along with three other men, attempted to rob Plaza Jewelers at 3303 Middlefield Road, just outside of Menlo Park, at gunpoint.

The robbers however fled in a white sedan. As deputies followed the men, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle, prosecutors said.

Two suspects were apprehended and the handgun allegedly used in the attempted robbery was recovered, while two other men involved fled. A third man was eventually arrested.

Sentencing for two of the men involved in the attempted robbery was put over this morning. Raymond Bradford, 30, and Rodney Mitchell, 24, will be sentenced on Dec. 7, Wagstaffe said.

A jury had previously found Bradford and Mitchell guilty of attempted robbery and an enhancement of using a firearm in the course of gang activity.

The three men are all members of the East Palo Alto Sunny Day gang and are facing separate charges in connection with their involvement in the gang, according to Wagstaffe.

A defense attorney for Gaines was not immediately available for comment.

– By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock.