Bank Robbery

New Port Richey, FL – Pasco County deputies caught up with a man believed to be a suspect in an armed robbery of an Achieva Federal Credit Union branch just minutes after the robbery occurred on State Road 54.

According to a sheriff’s office media release, a man entered the bank branch at 9:58 a.m. on Dec. 20, flashed a gun at the teller and left on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Witnesses claim the man was driving a black Pontiac.

Deputies were able to catch up to the man a short time later and detained him for questioning.

Armed robbery is a very serious crime to be charged with, as the consequences of a conviction are quite harsh. Because armed robbery carries the potential to harm others, you will likely face maximum penalties if convicted in a court of law. When a person uses a weapon to commit a robbery, despite whether or not it is used, police, prosecutors and judges are quick to conclude that the accused intended to use that weapon.

In the state of Florida, armed robbery can be filed in one of two ways:

1. Strong Armed Robbery: a robbery involving the use of threats, force or violence. This charge is classified as a second-degree felony, carrying potential consequences of up to 15 years in state prison.

2. Armed Robbery: a robbery involving the use of a deadly weapon. Armed robbery is a first-degree felony, punishable by 30 years in prison.

Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a Citrus Park, Florida amateur comedian for allegedly robbing a SunTrust Bank, twice.

According to police, the man allegedly entered the SunTrust Bank on Tuesday, claimed he had an explosive device, demanded money and fled the scene. On Thursday, detectives said the same man targeted the bank again, requesting money from the same teller.

Witnesses supposedly saw the man exit the bank and gave a description of his physical being and car to authorities.

The man was supposedly known to investigators for past events, and was picked up, positively identified and later arrested.

The man has supposedly performed at open mic nights for comedy clubs throughout Tampa. He has performed at a comedy club in Carrollwood, FL several times this year.

The man faces numerous charges, including robbery and possession of cocaine. He has supposedly been arrested before for similar charges.

Robbery in the state of Florida is considered the intentional and unlawful taking of money or property from another person while endorsing threats, violence, force or assault. The crime of robbery is a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years of probation and a maximum of $10,000 in fines. However, since most banks are federally insured, bank robbery can be amplified to a federal offense. This means that if you are charged with bank robbery, not only are you facing a possible Class A, B or C felony you must also face federal prosecution, which can be quite aggressive considering the government’s resources. The type of felony you are charged with depends on whether weapons or violence was inflicted, if anyone was injured and how much money was taken. If a weapon was used, the penalties for this crime are often enhanced, but even if there was no use of weapon in the robbery, a conviction can carry a prison sentence of anywhere between one and 10 years.

Today’s technology has made evidence against bank robberies, including credit unions and savings and loans associations, much stronger due to several factors:

• High-technology security systems
• Exploding dye packs located in the money
• Locator devices
• Marked bills
• Silent alarms
Charges of bank robbery can damage you and your family’s life in more ways than one. Not only do you run the risk of being prosecuted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but you ultimately face the possibility of hefty prison terms, probation, parole, large fines and a record that could limit all aspects of your future life. The Florida Bank Robbery Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can discuss your best line of defense to combat federal charges and help you avoid a conviction with potential prison time.

Articles Posted in Bank Robbery

New Port Richey Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Armed Bank Robbery Suspect Held by Police

Tampa Bank Robbery Defense Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Amateur Comedian Accused of Robbing Local SunTrust Bank Twice