DALLAS, Ore. — An Independence man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to a random robbery attack that occurred in January 2026, according to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
Abraham Vela, 41, appeared before Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, where he pleaded guilty to Robbery in the Third Degree.
Investigators said Vela randomly attacked a victim he did not know, knocking the person to the ground, punching them, and engaging in a physical struggle before attempting to steal the victim’s cell phone.
The victim was able to fight back, subdue Vela, and restrain him until witnesses contacted law enforcement. Police responded to the scene and took Vela into custody.
Judge Caso sentenced Vela to 30 months (2½ years) in prison and ordered him to serve 24 months of post-prison supervision following his release. The judge also recommended that Vela receive mental health and substance abuse treatment while incarcerated and during supervision.
According to the court, the sentence represents the maximum penalty permitted under Oregon’s Repeat Property Offender statute, citing Vela’s extensive criminal history.
The case was investigated by the Independence and Monmouth Police Departments and prosecuted by Polk County Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew T. Wilson.
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