PHILADELPHIA - Santos Centeno, 47, of Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for random muggings near Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. On June 15, 2012, Centeno and his nephew, Baldwin Centeno, were standing on 4th Street at National Independence Park when the victim approached them. The victim’s car was missing and he was asking for help when Centeno and his nephew began beating him for no reason. The victim suffered traumatic brain injuries, facial fractures, and other serious injuries for which he required hospitalization. A jury convicted the pair of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault by striking, beating, or wounding. In another incident, Centeno mugged a couple, walking near the park, of their cell phone and money. He was also convicted in that assault. His nephew was sentenced in April to 57 months in prison.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez ordered three years of supervised release, $6,461 restitution, and a $220 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise S. Wolf.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
