WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Attorney’s Office says a 31-year-old Washington man has been sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for attacks in 2008 against Maryland and Virginia taxi drivers who were working in the District of Columbia.

Authorities said in a news release that Emero Tornero was convicted in June by a jury of charges that included aggravated assault while armed against a senior citizen, assault with a dangerous weapon against a senior citizen and against taxicab drivers.

Federal prosecutors say Tornero posed as a District of Columbia taxi driver although he did not have a license. They say he attacked several Maryland or Virginia taxi drivers who he incorrectly thought were taking away his business in Washington.

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