WORTHINGTON ― A local man will serve 41 months in prison for the robbery of a Worthington gas station and convenience store, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Roman Barrios-Ortiz was arrested in December 2019 when he threatened a clerk at Bob & Steve's Holiday and stole about $130. He was charged with first-degree aggravated robbery and misdemeanor theft.
Barrios-Ortiz pleaded guilty to the robbery charge, with the theft charge dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
At the Tuesday sentencing hearing, defense counsel explained that the minimum sentence of 41 months was recommended based on the fact that Barrios-Ortiz took responsibility for his actions, he is young and he was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Prior to sentencing, Barrios-Ortiz exercised his right to address the court.
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"I know what I did, but I wasn't aware of what I was doing at the time," he said. "I know I made a big mistake by robbing the gas station, but everybody makes mistakes, but the thing is that we learn from those mistakes."
Fifth Judicial District Judge Sherry Haley sentenced him to 41 months, with credit for 354 days previously served, and encouraged him to learn from his mistake.
"I am hoping that when you are out, that you make a change in your life," Haley told him.
