VAN NUYS : Driver in Robbery Attempt Sentenced

A La Crescenta man convicted of conspiracy for driving two friends to a botched robbery attempt against an off-duty police officer was sentenced Friday to probation and one year in County Jail.

Ian Jerde, 20, was convicted last month by Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Kathryne Ann Stoltz of conspiracy to commit robbery in a Nov. 13 incident in which a former Glendale High School football player was fatally shot by the intended victim.

Even though he played no role in the attempted holdup that ended in his friend’s death, Jerde was convicted because he did not clearly state that he did not want to be involved in the heist.

“He’s a good person,” Stoltz said. “I’ve been very impressed with what he’s done since being released from jail (on bail), but considering this crime, a year is jail in very lenient.”

Jerde, a Glendale College student, could have been sentenced to up to five years in state prison. The Probation Department recommended a prison term, but Deputy Dist. Atty. Linda Acaldo said that would be too harsh because Jerde has no criminal history.

“This is probably one of the most tragic cases I’ve ever had to work on,” Acaldo said. “As the court knows, this is the result of some incredibly stupid teen-agers.”