Man sentenced to state prison for burglarizing Amherst home, attempting to kidnap toddler in 2021

NORTHAMPTON - A man who broke into an Amherst home in the middle of the night in March of 2021, stole several items and then attempted to flee the house with a 20-month-old toddler was sentenced Dec. 28 to serve 8-10 years in state prison followed by five years on probation.
Before Hampshire Superior Court Judge James Manitsas today, Jimmy Sanchez, 39, of Amherst, pleaded guilty to charges of:
• kidnapping a child under 16;
• breaking and entering in nighttime with intent to commit a felony;
• burglary with assault upon an occupant;
• stealing in a building;
• assault and battery;
• breaking and entering in nighttime with intent to commit a felony;
• attempted larceny in a building;
• two counts larceny under $1,200.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of March 13, 2021, when Sanchz broke into a Spring Street home in Amherst. The occupants of the home were awakened, confronted Sanchez, and wrested the toddler from his arms as he attempted to flee the house. Sanchez then fled the scene. The toddler sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The police arrived shortly afterwards and launched an investigation. Sanchez was arrested the following day inside a laboratory on the UMass Amherst campus, attempting to steal a laptop. In an interview with Amherst Police, he admitted stealing items from the home, said he took the baby as a way to escape the house without harm to himself or others, and stated that he had no desire to harm the child. During the investigation, police also discovered Sanchez had taken items from other homes in the area leading to additional charges.
Sanchez was initially arraigned in Eastern Hampshire District Court on March 15, 2021, subsequently indicted and arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court on March 28, 2021. He has been held without bail since.
In court today, Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Matthew Russo recommended a sentence of 10-12 years in state prison followed by five years on probation. Defense attorney Daniel Solomon recommended a sentence of 4-5 years in state prison followed by probation.
While on probation, Sanchez will have to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow any recommended treatment, stay away from the victims and their residences, and stay off the UMass Amherst campus.
“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s hearing. The significant state prison sentence provides justice to the victims in the wake of an unthinkable incident,” said ADA Russo. “We hope that they can regain a sense of safety in the community and that this brings some closure from which they can begin to move forward.”
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