Phoenixville Teen Sentenced for Robbing, Beating Berwyn Shop Owner

Sean Christopher Mitten of Phoenixville will be spending the next 21-56 months in state prison for his role in the robbery and beating of Yong Yang outside Yang's market in Berwyn.

Mitten, 18, was convicted and sentenced as an adult in Chester County Common Plea Court Tuesday afternoon in West Chester.  The sentence was imposed by Judge Phyllis Streitel in a hearing that lasted nearly an hour in courtroom 14 on the sixth floor of the County Courthouse.

Mitten was 17 when he and Ocatvio Sandoval plotted, scoped out and finally jumped, beat and robbed Yang as he got into his delivery van after closing the produce market he owned and operated for 14 years in Berwyn. Sandoval, who was 18, faces sentencing for his role in the crime on October 9.

Mitten was sentenced to:

• 28-56 months in state prison (14-28 on each count, to be served consecutively)
• 9 years probation (5 years for robbery plus 4 years for conspiracy to be served consecutively)
• Provide a DNA sample (to have on record in case he were to commit future crimes)
• 200 hours of community service (100 hours for each count)
• Study and earn a GED while in prison
• Have no contact with Mr. Yang (except via a letter Mitten has requested and will be permitted to send Mr. Yang a letter of thanks and apology that will be sent through an attorney or prison counselor or probation officer)
• Pay restitution (split with Octavio Sandoval) of $30,185.68 to Blue Cross and Blue Shield for Mr. Yang's medical expenses and $4,460.05 directly to Mr. Yang. 
• Undergo psychiatric and mental health evaluation to detemine the best programs to help Mitten get his life turned around.

The judge denied a request to consider sending Mitten to a boot camp-style prison saying she did not think it would be an effective program for Mitten. She did however recommend that Mitten be sent to Pine Grove prison in Indiana Prison which house young inmates under 21.

Editor's note: When Sean Christopher Mitten was arrested he was 17 but was charged as an adult. Until his conviction and sentencing as an adult today Patch had opted not to name him in our reporting because there was a chance that he could eventually be adjudicated in juvenile court. Due to the verdict and sentencing as an adult and because he is now 18 Patch is including Mitten's name in our coverage.