Man sentenced to 19 years for violent Glendale cellphone store robbery

A man who robbed a cellphone store in Glendale last October has been sentenced to 19 years in prison, authorities announced Monday.

Gilbert Lara, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Footage from the Glendale store shows Lara stepping behind the counter, ordering the employee to give him money from the register and forcing that worker inside the back room.

Lara then ordered the employee to open the safe and struck her in the face, injuring her near the eye, prosecutors said.

Glendale cellphone robber had a long history of theft

The victim told prosecutors she feared for her life and was terrified he would stab her. Lara left the store after telling her to stay in a back room.

At the time of the robbery, Lara was already on community supervision for another armed robbery.

Before fleeing the store, the suspect ordered the victim to remain in the office. At the time of the robbery, he was already on community supervision for another armed robbery.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell described Lara as a repetitive retail predator with a significant history of theft.

“Crimes like this go far beyond theft. They involve violence, fear, and control,” Mitchell said in the announcement. “The defendant’s violent actions and threats caused unimaginable fear and trauma.”

Investigators looked over the footage, as well as license plate reader data and cell phone data, to identify Lara as the culprit. Officers who searched his home found clothing that matched what he wore during the robbery.

“This 19-year prison sentence holds him accountable for the harm he caused,” Mitchell said. “We also commend the courage and resilience the victim showed throughout this case.”

Related

Phoenix Police stop rifle-wielding bank robber with 'grappler' during I-17 getawayArmed robbery suspect arrested after police chase through West Valley‘We know it’s gonna be close,’ Gov. Katie Hobbs says as likely Andy Biggs matchup loomsLive updates for Arizona’s 2026 primaries: Supervisor explains technical issueTechnical issues disrupt a small number of Maricopa County voters on Election DayElection changes could lead to quicker results in Maricopa County, Adrian Fontes says