16 To Life In Violent Westchester BB Gun Robbery

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Two violent repeat offenders will be off the streets for a long time, after being sentenced for a 2020 robbery.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced today that two Mount Vernon men were sentenced to prison on charges connected with the violent 2020 mugging of a woman walking along South 13th Street in Mount Vernon.

Marcus White was sentenced to 16 years to life in state prison. The 29-year-old is considered a "persistent violent felony offender." He was convicted at trial of three counts of felony robbery. Co-defendant Brian Rivas, considered a "predicate violent felony offender," pleaded guilty to felony attempted robbery. He was sentenced to five years in state prison, with five years of post-release supervision.

On December 29, 2020, just after 9 p.m., the victim was walking on the Mount Vernon street when she was approached from behind by White and Rivas. She was shoved to the ground and her purse was taken. During the attack, White displayed what appeared to be a firearm.

Mount Vernon police arrested the pair shortly after the robbery, when they spotted White looking through the victim’s stolen wallet. Officers also seized a BB gun from White.