A judge sentenced a city man to three to six years in state prison after he pleaded no contest earlier this year of robbing a man at gunpoint when he was a juvenile.

Judge Jeffery Wright handed down the sentence to Mychael Quiles, 20, on July 15. The case had been slated to go to trial in February when, on the morning a jury was to be empaneled, Quiles instead pleaded no contest to charges of robbery, carrying a firearm without a license, possessing a firearm as a minor, persons not to possess a firearm and possession of marijuana. 

Speaking to the court before being sentenced, Quiles said his actions are “not a reflection of who I am here today” and that he has taken steps in the years since the incident to better himself. The father of two echoed words his mother also told the court prior to being sentenced that it was his poor choice in friends that made him “guilty by association.”

But Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Lapp, who prosecuted the case, noted that Quiles was in fact an active participant when he robbed the victim at gunpoint in the 1300 block of Fremont Street in Lancaster city in October 2023. Video surveillance showed Quiles brandishing a handgun from his waistband while one of his co-conspirators demanded the victim give them all of his money. The two then then fled after the victim handed over about $250 in cash.

Additionally, Lapp pointed out Quiles’ lengthy juvenile record which includes four previous adjudications, including two involving firearms. The then-17-year-old Quiles was on juvenile probation at the time of the offense.

In imposing the sentence Wright said he was “optimistic” that Quiles could reform in prison, citing his strong support system and his stated desire to reunite with his two young children. 

Additional surveillance footage from outside Quiles’ residence in the 300 block of Charles Road showed him leaving the home mere minutes before the robbery and then returning shortly afterwards. Police recovered clothes that matched what Quiles was seen wearing in the footage as well as 22 grams of marijuana when they searched his residence.

Not only did Quiles not have a permit to carry a concealed firearm, but as a juvenile at the time he was unable to obtain such a license at all. Quiles is also prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous juvenile adjudications for a separate gun offense. 

Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Tyler Chubb filed the charges.