Grandview man apologizes at sentencing for pointing gun at clerk

KENNEWICK — A Grandview man who helped rob a Prosser auction house just days after Christmas was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison.

Jesus Castro Hernandez, 40, earlier pleaded guilty in Benton County Superior Court to first-degree robbery.

Before ordering Hernandez to prison, Judge Robert Swisher asked he if had anything to say about his actions in the crime.

“Just an apology for offending the community, and I’m sorry,” Hernandez responded through a Spanish-speaking interpreter.

Hernandez was one of three men — all roommates — who reportedly cased C&L Auction before robbing it Dec. 28.

Rogelio Borrego was the clerk on duty when two men entered the Shelby Road business. One of the suspects, later identified as Hernandez, showed a handgun and announced, “This is a robbery,” court documents said.

Hernandez then took money from Borrego and the cash register, including $90 in cash and a check for $48.50, documents said.

The men were driving away from the business when Benton County sheriff’s deputies tried to pull over their car.

Hernandez was chased on foot for about a mile before being caught by a police dog.