A Des Moines man who kidnapped a 73-year-old woman and forced her to withdraw cash from ATMs across central Iowa last June has pleaded guilty to all charges and faces a 20-year sentence.
Robert Daniel Gonzales, 52, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of third-degree kidnapping after forcing his way into a 73-year-old woman’s home and forcing her to withdraw cash from ATMs around the metro, including in Des Moines, Altoona, Ames and Boone in June 2024.
This still image from video allegedly shows Robert Daniel Gonzales leaving the Walmart on Southeast 14th Street in Des Moines after allegedly kidnapping a 73-year-old woman from the Easter Lake area of the city.
Gonzales entered the home of the woman on June 26 and drove her around central Iowa, making her withdraw approximately $1,000 in cash to give to him.
He returned the woman home the next morning, stole her car, and was later seen in surveillance footage getting out of the vehicle, making purchases at a Walmart in Des Moines and then leaving on foot. He was found and arrested June 28 in Ames after authorities received community tips.
Evidence indicates Gonzales had knowledge of the victim after repairing a household appliance in her home several months prior, the release said.
Gonzales was sentenced to 20 years ‒ 10 years for two second-degree robbery counts ‒ to be served consecutively. His 10-year sentence for kidnapping will run concurrently with the first robbery sentence.
He must serve a minimum of five years for each count of robbery and serve a minimum of 10 years of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. Sentencing was decided based on age, prior convictions, the nature of the offenses, the plea agreement and statutory sentencing requirements.
Gonzales is denied probation and deemed ineligible to pay $1,370 in restitution for each count. He is ordered to participate in Victim Offender Dialogue and continue a no-contact order with the 73-year-old woman, and is prohibited from carrying weapons as a convicted felon.
Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines man gets 20-year sentence for robbery, kidnapping