Announcements

Sentencings In Residential and ID Theft Cases
Washoe County District Attorney Announces Sentencings in Connection with Burglary and ID Theft Ring

December 23, 2015

Reno, Nevada

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announced today additional sentencings related to two residential burglaries and identification thefts that occurred in Washoe County earlier this year.  Multiple defendants were charged in the case and this should serve as a reminder to the community to take precautions to secure homes and personal information, particularly during travel and the holiday season.

Alexander Barrett Hankins, 38, (DOB 4/10/77) from Reno and Kelly Jo Wortman, 52 (DOB 1/14/63) from Washoe County were recently given stiff sentences in Washoe County District Court, a stern warning that such crimes will not be tolerated in our community.  Hankins and Wortman had each previously pled guilty to two counts of Burglary and Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle. They were thought to be the ringleaders in a group of nine defendants charged by this office.  Hankins was sentenced last Thursday by Judge Jerome Polaha to 46 years in prison, which included two other unrelated cases.  The sentence ensures Hankins will have to serve a minimum of 14 years, 4 months before being eligible for parole.  Wortman was sentenced by Judge Lidia Stiglich in September to 18 years in prison.  He will not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of 4 years. Hankins and Wortman were also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.

The case involving Hankins and Wortman began in May, 2015 when the Reno Police Department responded to two residential burglaries that had occurred while the homeowners were out of town.  The perpetrators ransacked the two homes, stole five vehicles, multiple televisions, computers, family jewelry and heirlooms, baseball card collections, clothing, photographs, and countless personal identifying and financial documents.  To demonstrate the depth of the burglary at the sentencings, prosecutors noted that even toiletries were stolen from the homes.  With the personal identifying information, the thieves forged signatures, created a fraudulent power of attorney document, and opened credit accounts with numerous banks and retailers.  One of the vehicles was even sold to an unsuspecting victim using a forged title that was stolen from one of the homes.  The victims estimated loss was over $150,000.

Reno Police Department detectives investigated the case and arrested nine defendants connected to the thefts. The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office subsequently charged the following defendants in connection with the Hankins and Wortman case. 

Robyn Johnson, 44 (DOB 5/14/71) from Washoe County pled guilty in August to one count of Burglary and one count of Obtaining and or Using the Personal Identification Information of Another.  Johnson failed to appear at sentencing and a warrant has been issued for her arrest.

Elizabeth Catherine Doughty, 36 (DOB 9/24/79) from Washoe County pled guilty in August to one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and was sentenced to 36-92 months by Judge Janet Berry. 

Faustino Hector Salitrero, 38 (DOB 1/31/77) from Reno pled guilty in July to one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and was sentenced to 19-48 months by Judge Lidia Stiglich.

Samuel Leslie Stellingwerf, 37 (DOB 7/12/78) from Reno pled guilty in October to one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2016, by Judge Janet Berry. 

Alfonso Refugio Avina, 41 (DOB 11/5/74 from Reno pled guilty to one count of Attempted Possession of a Forged Instrument  and was sentenced to 364 days, suspended and placed on probation by Judge Lidia Stiglich.

Michelle Patricia Alvarado, 27 (DOB 2/15/88) from Reno pled guilty in August to one count of Burglary and was  sentenced to 48-120, suspended and placed on probation for 60 months by Judge Scott Freeman.

Daphnie Marie Chandler, 31 (DOB 5/9/84) from Sun Valley pled guilty in June to one count of Obtaining or Possessing Credit or Debit Cards without the Cardholder’s Consent.  Chandler failed to appear for her sentencing and a warrant has been issued for her arrest. 

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office asks the media to remind residents that these types of offenders are active throughout our community and encourages the public to learn more about keeping homes and personal property safe from theft.

 

Any information on the whereabouts of Johnson and Chandler can be reported to local law enforcement.

 

For additional information on homeowner safety tips, you may contact Reno Police Department PIO Tim Broadway.