Andrew Melikian Imprisoned For Aiding Armed Robbery

A Casper man will spend three-and-a-half to five years imprisonment for his role in an armed robbery near downtown in September.

Andrew Melikian heard the sentenced handed down to him by Natrona County District Court Judge Thomas Sullins on Friday.

Before he handed down the sentence, Sullins heard from Melikian's mother and grandfather, both of whom said they believed there was hope for him.

His mother said he was an intelligent boy, but began having behavioral problems when he entered school and was diagnosed with ADHD. He was in and out of several home care facilities, and his problems worsened.

Melikian lost respect for authority after a teacher told him he was stupid and would never amounted to anything. He later moved in with his father and self-medicated with drugs.

His grandfather said his grandson destroyed his life in 10 minutes because of the crowd he was with.

The victim of the crime, who was robbed at gunpoint in September, wrote a letter to the court saying that after much prayer he had forgiven Melikian.

But Assistant District Attorney Mike Schafer said Melikian was originally charged with accessory before the fact to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, obtaining property under false pretenses and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Those charged were dropped for a plea agreement, and Melikian pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting robbery in March. The proposed prison term was five years to seven years imprisonment, with credit for time served.

Schafer argued that the robbery was planned and the intent was to obtain money to buy methamphetamine. Melikian committed the robbery when he was out on probation, and he has a long history of criminal conduct, Schafer said.

The case started Sept. 13, when a man told police he was cleaning a friend’s car near East Fourth and South Park streets that morning, according to court records.

He heard footsteps behind him and a male voice said, “‘give me your money m-f.’” The victim turned around, saw a man with a bandana on the lower part of his face, and a pistol with a long barrel pointed at him.

Two other suspects, Nicholaus Harford and Raechel Holmes, were arrested for their involvement.

In April, Harford was sentenced to a five-to-seven years prison term after he pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated robbery in January.