A California man has been sentenced to an aggregate 10 years in prison with parole eligibility in 4 years, after pleading guilty to Retail Grand Larceny, Eluding and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Beginning in late 2024 and into 2025, Andrew Girdenis (dob 5/31/88) began stealing display cell phones at various stores, including Russell Cellular, which was operating a Verizon franchise, and Spectrum. He also stole multiple glasses from Mayberry Vision, prompting an investigation by multiple police agencies. Then during an unrelated investigation, detectives with the Regional Crime Suppression Unit (RCSU) were conducting surveillance when someone driving a stolen Volvo with no license plates caught their attention. When officers tried to stop the Volvo, the driver sped away, running multiple stop signs. Using video surveillance and other sources of information, detectives identified the driver as Girdenis. While that investigation continued, Girdenis stole an additional display cell phone, a guitar from Guitar Center, tools from Lowes, and a display iPad from AT&T. Girdenis was subsequently located by RCSU, and after a very brief attempt to run, he was taken into custody on all the pending investigations. In total, his thefts amounted to $14,000 in loss.
Anthony Whitmer (dob 6/10/69) has been found guilty of Grand Larceny, after he and a partner went to Scheels four different times last fall and stole non-lethal firearms, such as pepper ball guns. Sparks Police worked with local loss prevention on the case and learned that Whitmer and a partner would steal the items and then resell them on the street. In December of last year, Scheels staff contacted SPD to report that Whitmer was at the store and was in the process of stealing again. He was subsequently arrested. Sentencing is set for June 8th before the Honorable Tammy Riggs. DDA Thomas Sertic will be seeking habitual criminal adjudication. Whitmer faces up to 20 years in prison.
“These prosecutions and the significant prison sentence sends a clear message that retail crimes will not be tolerated in our community,” said DA Chris Hicks. “The District Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes.”
Andrew Girdenis
Anthony Whitmer
