HILLSBORO, Ore.- On July 2, 2020, a Washington County jury found Zachery Thomas Sanders guilty of first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, second-degree theft, menacing, fourth-degree assault, strangulation and unlawful use of a weapon. On July 7, 2020, Judge Ted Sims sentenced the defendant to 90 months in prison. Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeffery MacLean prosecuted the case against Mr. Sanders.

On February 16, 2020, the victim arranged to meet with the defendant to sell a pair of shoes to a third party in Forest Grove, Oregon. After driving the victim to a nearby location to sell the shoes, the victim got back into the car with the defendant and two other men. Mr. Sanders then grabbed the victim’s backpack in an attempt to steal it. A struggle ensued and Mr. Sanders then assaulted and choked the victim. During the commission of the robbery, the victim was also threatened with a firearm.

The victim surrendered the backpack and left the car. He then called 911 and Forest Grove Police responded to the call. The victim gave a detailed description of Mr. Sanders and the car they were driving in. Police were able to locate the vehicle and those involved in the robbery a short time later. Police also found the stolen backpack and a handgun that was later determined to be stolen.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the work of Forest Grove Police on this case.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Sims also ordered Mr. Sanders to undergo three years of post-prison supervision upon his release. Judge Sims also barred the defendant from having any contact with the victim.

Mr. Sanders will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.