Another Long Sentence For Brutal Attacks in Old City Tourism Area
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A 47-year-old Camden man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for two vicious, unprovoked attacks in the historic area of Old City Philadelphia in the summer of 2012.
The judge, noting that one victim suffered some permanent injuries, said the defendant, Santos Centeno, is lucky he isn't facing a murder conviction.
The victims -- one, a man looking for his car after a night of dancing, and the others, a couple walking to their car after dinner out with family members -- were attacked four days apart on Independence National Historic Park property, on Fourth Street.
Prosecutor Denise Wolf told the court that Centeno acted like the park area was his "personal hunting ground."
Judge Juan Sanchez sentenced Centeno to 15 years and eight months in prison, in part because of the brutality of the attacks and Centeno's long criminal history for crimes including robbery and assault (see related story).
"I need to put him away for as long as I can so he will not threaten another individual ever in his life. When he comes out, he will be an old man not capable of throwing a punch," the judge said.
Centeno's nephew, Baldwin Centeno, was also convicted in the attack on the man. He was sentenced earlier to nearly five years in prison (see related story).
Authorities say others were involved in the attacks but have not been identified.
