2 Marpi robbers get 6-year prison terms

Two men who were caught on video while fleeing the scene of a robbery in Marpi last May pleaded guilty yesterday and were each slapped with six-year prison sentences.

Jazzy Kulas Rosokow, 39, and Alvin Iguel Blas, 28, both pleaded guilty to theft and assault and battery.

Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho sentenced Rosokow and Blas each to the maximum sentence of five years imprisonment for theft, and one year in prison for assault and battery. The two won’t be eligible for parole.

Camacho noted that defendants have no prior convictions.

Rosokow and Blas were given credit for time served of 95 days and 101 days, respectively. They will be held jointly liable to pay $3,652 to Quichan Yang.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be given a copy of the judgment against Rosokow, who is a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Office of the Attorney General originally charged the two with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and disturbing the peace. The charges carry a total maximum sentence of 20 years and six months.

The OAG later amended the charges to robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

On Monday, the OAG again amended the charge to theft and assault and battery. The offenses carry a total maximum sentence of six years imprisonment.

The two were caught on video while fleeing on a rental car after robbing one of three female tourists along Banzai Cliff Road in Marpi on May 14, 2017.

A video taken during the robbery by another tourist led to the identification of the getaway car and Blas.

Blas, who was arrested hours after the robbery, confessed to the crime and this resulted in the arrest of Rosokow last May 22.

Police said it was Blas who grabbed the backpack from Yang and ran to a white Hyundai Accent. During the struggle, the car dragged the tourist, causing injuries.

According to Blas, it was Rosokow who was the car’s driver and had planned the robbery. Rosokow is Blas’ brother-in-law.

Chief Prosecutor Michele Harris recommended the maximum sentence of six years imprisonment.

Assistant public defender Nancy Dominski appeared as counsel for Blas, while attorney Rene Holmes represented Rosokow.