The first of two San Diego men behind a month-long spree of robberies in 2017 was sentenced today to 140 months in federal prison.
Carlos Adolfo Soto, 41, became known as the ”pinky bandit” for his distinctive pinky finger, which protruded from the weapons he wielded while robbing 10 Metro-PCS stores and a Subway restaurant in January and February 2017.
In most of the robberies, Soto brandished a machete, stun gun or a pellet gun that resembled a pistol at store clerks and customers while demanding cellphones and cash. His co-defendant, Justin Wayne Caldwell, 32, served as getaway driver. On at least one occasion, Caldwell also entered the store with a weapon, according to prosecutors.
In one of the robberies, Soto threatened a store clerk with a machete. Soto admitted to eight of the robberies and to being part of a conspiracy that involved all 11, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Soto and Caldwell pleaded guilty to the charges in November.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Whelan on Tuesday also ordered Soto to pay restitution to the victims. Restitution will be set after Caldwell is sentenced June 3.
The spree began on Jan. 25, 2017 and lasted until Feb. 21, 2017, when investigators tracked Soto and Caldwell to the scene of the final robbery thanks to a stolen phone one of them had registered.
—City News Service
