The “Peep Bandit” who robbed adult bookstores and other businesses was sentenced Nov. 18 to eight years in prison and ordered to pay $1,914.14 to the adult businesses.
Additionally, Oscar Augustin Smith Jr., 29, was ordered to pay $544.72 to two sandwich shops and 7-Eleven by San Diego Superior Court Judge Timothy Walsh, who said he was ineligible for probation.
Deputy District Attorney Roy Lai urged Walsh to impose the maximum term, 15 years and four months, or “10 years at the very least.” Lai said Smith gambled with some of the money he received.
Lai said Smith claimed to have robbed businesses to feed his family, but he said it wasn’t true. “None of this money was ever given to his family,” said Lai.
The same victim was robbed three times at Mercury Books, 8081 Balboa Ave. during the spring robbery spree. “I don’t know why he keeps picking me,” said the victim to a detective.
Smith’s lawyer, Brian Dooley, said his client had no record and he had never heard of any money used for gambling. Some family members attended the sentencing.
“I’m truly sorry. I did it for my kids. I’m truly not a bad person,” said Smith, adding that he hopes he can be forgiven.
The judge said the victims experienced nightmares after being robbed by a masked man with a pellet gun that looked like a real gun with bullets.
Walsh gave him credit for spending 212 days in jail and fined him $10,753. Restitution to the stores will be paid first from a percentage of earnings or money Smith receives in prison.
Smith pleaded guilty Aug. 12 to all eight robberies. The first robbery occurred at Mercury Books April 7, and Smith robbed the Adult Emporium on Main Street the next day. Smith was arrested May 11.
