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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Jury convicts felon in Blockbuster caper

A career criminal already on probation was convicted this week of robbing a Spokane Valley video store in April. 

Shaun L. Rockstrom, 38, faces 10 years in prison for second-degree robbery when he's sentenced Nov. 19, a court clerk confirmed.

Rockstrom was arrested on April 8 after employees at Blockbuster Video, 11510 E. Sprague Ave., identified him as the man who stole DVDs and punched an employee on April 2.

The punched employee lost his prescription glasses, which Rockstrom then ran over with his car as he fled, court documents say.

Police found some of the stolen DVDs in a truck parked at Rockstrom's home, 12919 E. Forrest Road.

Prosecutors had sought a first-degree robbery against Rockstrom, who has more than 30 convictions, including felony convictions for leading organized crime, theft, burglary, possession of stolen property, escape and forgery.

Prosecutors will ask for a 10-year prison term; Rockstrom had already turned down a plea offer for seven years, a court clerk said.

The trial before Spokane County Superior Court Judge Sam Cozza went to the jury late Tuesday, and a verdict was returned Wednesday afternoon. Jury selection began Monday.



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