Hook pleads guilty to Robbery II

Gregory William Hook pleaded guilty to Robbery in the second degree before Judge Alta Brady on Thursday, May 13.

Hook was an 18--year--old Sisters High School student when he robbed the Sisters Pumphouse at knifepoint on Saturday, January 16.

He will be sentenced on June 15, probably to two years in prison, according to Assistant District Attorney Patrick Flaherty.

According to sheriff's office reports, Hook entered the gas station and convenience store shortly after 9 p.m. He was wearing a ski mask and threatened employees with a knife. He demanded money from the three employees and forced them into the store office at knifepoint. Hook stole $200 in cash.

A witness identified Hook, a stand--out football player, by voice and appearance. Deputies arrested Hook a without incident short time later at his residence in Sun Mountain Estates. The money, weapon and other evidence were recovered.

Hook faced a mandatory prison sentence of more than seven years if convicted on the original charges. Instead, he was allowed to plead to the lesser charge, with the agreement that he would be sentenced to at least 24 months, according to Flaherty.

Hook's attorney, Terry Rahmsdorff, could not be reached by press time for comment.

Flaherty said that Hook would likely serve his sentence through the "boot camp" program administered by the prison system through the Oregon Correctional Institute.

Flaherty said that given the magnitude of the offense, the District Attorney's office was unwilling to allow Hook off with probation. At the same time, there were mitigating factors, including Hook's age, the fact that he had no prior offenses, and his athletic and academic record, according to Flaherty.

"This looked like an anomaly. That is hopefully what it will be," said Flaherty.

"In addition, none of the victims - at least the ones we were able to contact - wanted to see him go to prison for seven and a half years," said Flaherty.

Flaherty said Hook never offered an explanation for his crime. "That might be something that comes out at the sentencing."