Man admits robbery attempt, gang affiliation

A 20-year-old Gardnerville man pleaded guilty Monday to attempted robbery with gang enhancement.

Andrew William Tagay faces up to 10 years in prison at his sentencing June 15.

He admitted his part in the March 12 robbery of two teenagers on their way home after returning DVDs to a Gardnerville grocery story.

The prosecution agreed to recommend up to five years for the attempted robbery and an additional 30 months consecutive for the gang enhancement.

Tagay is ineligible for probation unless he provides substantial assistance to law enforcement.

He is accused along with Miguel Rubio of jumping the victims, demanding money and throwing beer cans at the teenagers.

Rubio, 21, denied the allegation and is set for trial July 13.

One of the victims was hit in the back of the head with a full beer can that exploded on impact. The other teen had a cut over his left eye.

Tagay said he was a member of the Eastwood Tokers.

He denied trying to enhance or promote the gang through the incident.

"We were just gang-banging on them, sir," Tagay said.

He admitted shouting "Tokers" numerous times.

Prosecutor Laurie Trotter said the victims said Tagay and Rubio reportedly demanded money.

"When the two boys wouldn't, both parties threw beer cans and threw punches. The state can prove both of them (Tagay and Rubio) worked together to place these boys in a place of fear that they would be injured if they didn't comply," Trotter said.

"By yelling 'Tokers,' they were promoting the gang and gang members," Trotter said.

Tagay said he didn't know the victims.

"I had no idea who they were," he said. "They were just walking by."