Man who robbed elderly woman at Roseville ATM sentenced to 19 years in prison
A man who robbed an elderly woman of her purse in 2018 near a Roseville ATM was sentenced this week to 19 years in prison.
William Bernard Anderson, 28, was sentenced Thursday in Placer County Superior Court following a conviction on a felony robbery charge.
Anderson in October 2018 “waited for an elderly woman to use the ATM and walk to her car,” the Placer County District Attorney’s Office said in a Friday news release.
He then grabbed her purse, which the victim continued to clutch. The two struggled and Anderson “ripped the purse from her grasp” before fleeing, prosecutors wrote.
The robbery happened in broad daylight and in front of multiple witnesses. Roseville police identified Anderson using a fingerprint left on the victim’s vehicle, according to the district attorney’s news release.
Court records show Anderson pleaded not guilty in January 2019, updated his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity in October 2019, and then finally changed his plea to guilty this February.
Anderson faced an enhanced sentence due to a prior conviction of a violent felony, court records show.
Deputy District Attorney Shannon Quigley, who prosecuted the case, said in a statement that the crime showcases the dangers faced by seniors.
“All too often our seniors are targeted because of their perceived vulnerability,” Quigley said. “This case is a reminder to our senior citizens to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.”
