Man Gets 327-Year Prison Sentence for Violently Robbing the Elderly in SF Chinatown and Japantown

September 11, 2017

A 60-year-old Black man who was charged with a series of burglaries and assaults in San Francisco’s Chinatown and Japantown in 2014 was sentenced to 327 years to life behind bars.

German Woods, then 57, terrorized residents who were at least in their 80s during the spring and summer months of 2014, according to SF Gate. He stole valuables such as computers, jewelry, and wallets and inflicted injuries on his victims.

“The victims were all in their 80s and 90s, frail, and of Asian descent. English was not their first language. He targeted these individuals because they’re the most vulnerable victims in San Francisco,” prosecuting attorney Charles Bisesto told the court in June. “He knew he could use force and fear. He knew many didn’t speak English. He knew many wouldn’t report him. He knew even if he was caught, that the victims were elderly, with poor memories and eyesight.”

Seven victims — five from Chinatown and two from Japantown — came forward before Woods’ arrest last month. Mei Liu, who happens to be in her 90s, recalled being unable to eat and sleep properly three months after Woods broke into her house.

Thankfully, Woods will never be able to commit such crimes again, as Judge Samuel K. Feng sentenced him to 327 years for charges that date back to May 25, 2014.

Woods was found guilty of 16 counts of first-degree residential robbery and burglary, among other crimes, SF Gate noted.

“These crimes were deliberate, cold and calculating. He targeted the elderly because they were vulnerable,” SF Weekly quoted District Attorney George Gascón as saying. “They were preyed upon and taken advantage of, but they can rest easier knowing this man will never harm them or anyone else again.”

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