NEW YORK (AP) — A man who shot a security guard during a brazen robbery attempt in New York’s Waldorf-Astoria hotel is set to get a 15-year prison sentence.
Rafael Rabinovich-Arda pleaded guilty Tuesday to burglary and admitted to shooting the guard accidentally during a struggle. The 21-year-old’s sentencing is set for Feb. 16.
The defense team has said another man preyed on Rabinovich-Arda’s loneliness to befriend him. They say the man fed him cocaine and put him up to the attempted holdup in November 2008 at a jewelry store in the famous hotel.
The wounded guard, Gregory Boyle, says Rabinovich-Arda’s problems don’t excuse his behavior.
