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Ice Pick Robber John Martinez Gets Prison

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - John Martinez, known as the 'ice pick robber,' was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to charges of threatening and robbing women and small children in and around Stuyvensant Town over a year ago.

WCBS 880's Irene Cornell On The Case

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The prosecutor read a statement in court on Tuesday from one of the four victims.

The woman said she was just returning to her apartment building with her 3-year-old son when Martinez confronted her with an ice pick in an elevator.

She said he was a large and intimidating man who threatened to stab her son if she didn't let him into her apartment.

Martinez told the judge he apologizes to the victims. He said it was never about them but instead thought he was robbing his mom.

His attorney said he certainly has some mental health issues.

Upon his guilty plea to burglary and robbery charges in November, Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. said a dangerous criminal was being taken off of our streets.

Martinez was arrested in Cliffside Park, New Jersey last December on a parole violation.

Do you have something to say about the case? Sound off in the comments section below!

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