Warren Martinez, 31, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including mayhem, assault and battery to intimidate based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and breaking and entering. Judge John Agostini sentenced him to five to 10 years in state prison.
Also sentenced was 25-year-old Thomas Patnode, who admitted to two counts of assault and battery to intimidate and assault by means of a dangerous weapon. He received two and a half years in prison and one year of probation. Patnode must also undergo substance abuse treatment and diversity awareness training while incarcerated and stay away from the victims.
The men were arrested after attacking a store employee and her fiancé when they refused to sell them alcohol. Both victims are transgender. Prosecutors said Martinez punched and kicked them and used a pointed plastic bottle as a weapon. Patnode pulled a knife and threatened the pair. Both victims suffered serious injuries.
In court, the victims told the judge the attack left them traumatized. They said they no longer feel safe in public. They asked that no one else be forced to endure the same violence and fear.
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