Girl Scouts will get apology in cookie-money theft

Justin Rogers-Zenon, 19, pleaded guilty on Monday to aggravated robbery. Justin Rogers-Zenon, 19, pleaded guilty on Monday to aggravated robbery. Photo: Fort Bend DA's Office Photo: Fort Bend DA's Office Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Girl Scouts will get apology in cookie-money theft 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

As part of his sentence, a Richmond man has been ordered to write a letter of apology to a Girl Scout troop after he pleaded guilty this week in connection with the theft of less than $100 in cookie money, according to the Fort Bend District Attorney’s Office.

The apology is in addition to six years probation, 180 days in jail, restitution and a fine in connection with the March 3 robbery.

Justin Rogers-Zenon, 19, plead guilty Monday to aggravated robbery stemming from his arrest on March 8.

State District Judge James H. Shoemake also sentenced Rogers-Zenon to 180 days in jail and ordered him to pay a $500 fine and $328 in restitution to the troop. He also was ordered to write them an apology.

Prosecutors said the agreement satisfied the victim and her mother.

“The defendant will spend the first six months in jail after which he will be closely monitored for years,” said Assistant District Attorney John Hawkins. “And the child witness won’t have to endure the rigors of testifying before her attacker.”

On March 3, two Girl Scouts were selling cookies outside a Wal-Mart at Grand Parkway and Bellaire Boulevard. Rogers-Zenon acted interested in buying cookies. Instead, he grabbed a cash box and fled in a waiting car, according to Hawkins.

Both girls ran after Rogers-Zenon but one was struck by the fleeing vehicle. She sustained minor injuries.

Less than a week later, the driver of the car, a juvenile, was taken into custody, and Rogers-Zenon was arrested shortly afterward.

The juvenile driver had been previously sentenced to three years probation after spending 120 days in detention. He also was ordered to pay restitution and to write a letter of apology to the Girl Scouts.

If Rogers-Zenon violates his probation, he could face up to life in prison for the aggravated robbery offense.