Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Nelson Rolon, convicted in December of the knifepoint robbery of an 87-year-old woman who was unable to testify at the trial, was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison with the first 12 years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions, and the remaining 13 years suspended with probation, Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch announced today.

The victim, who was 89 at the time of trial, could not testify due to her age and the traumatic effects the robbery has had on her. Six witnesses were called during the state's case, prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Roger Demers, chief of the attorney general's Elder Abuse Unit. The jury deliberated less than two hours before returning a guilty verdict.

Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr., sentenced Rolon, 46, of Woonsocket.

Demers presented evidence that Rolon attacked the victim in the parking lot of the Stop & Shop in North Smithfield at about 1 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2007, grabbing her purse and using a knife to cut the purse strap off of her shoulder as she fought to maintain possession of it.

Rolon drove off, but bystanders were able to get his license plate and provide the North Smithfield Police with his description, according to the attorney general's office. Without the victim's testimony, Demers was able to establish force -- one of the legal elements required to prove a charge of first-degree robbery -- by eliciting testimony of an eyewitness who heard the victim scream, "He stole my pocketbook!"

 Tags  North Smithfield Patrick C. Lynch Rhode Island RI robberies Stop & Shop Superior Court Woonsocket

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