Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:

District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced today the results of a jury trial just concluded. 

On July 1, 2016, a Humboldt County jury found Tays E. Salazar guilty of  robbery. The charge resulted from an incident on February 13, 2016, when Mr. Salazar, wearing a camouflage mask and a hoodie, entered the Orick Market and demanded money from the clerk. Mr. Salazar kept his left hand in his pocket throughout the encounter, causing the store clerk to believe that Mr. Salazar may have had a gun. The clerk, in fear for his safety, gave Mr. Salazar the nightly deposits that totaled approximately $1,400. Mr. Salazar also stole a pack of cigarettes. Investigation by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Yurok Tribal Police led to the arrest of Mr. Salazar on February 17, 2016, and he has been in custody since that time.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Tomlin testified at trial, as did the victim of the robbery.

Deputy District Attorney Roger C. Rees prosecuted the case with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Gary Cooper. Deputy Public Defender Kelly Neel represented Mr. Salazar throughout the pre-trial proceedings and trial. The Honorable John T. Feeney  presided over the one week jury trial.

Sentencing in the matter is set for July 28, 2016 before Judge Feeney.  Because of the court’s finding that he has been previously convicted of a serious felony, Salazar faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison.  Mr. Salazar is 39 years old.