MIDLAND BANK ROBBER PLEADS GUILTY

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that 25-year-old Eric Andrew Rios of Midland, pleaded guilty this morning to robbing the East Florida St. branch of Community National Bank in Midland on January 25, 2008. As a result, Rios faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Appearing before United States Magistrate L. Stuart Platt in Midland, Rios admitted that he walked into the bank in mid-afternoon and showed a teller a note reading, “Abnormal. This is a robbery. I have a gun and will shoot,” or words to that effect. Rios then told the teller, “Give me all the money out of your drawer,” yelling and cursing at her when she did do so as quickly as he desired.

Rios got away with approximately $3000 in cash. Charles Hall, a deputy constable for Midland County–Precinct 4, happened to be in the bank during the robbery, and quickly realized what had transpired when Rios fled the premises. Hall, joined by officers with the Midland Police Department, pursued Rios’ get-away vehicle. After a chase, Rios was apprehended and the money was recovered. Rios had a compressed air pellet gun, which closely resembled a real handgun, on his person when he was arrested.

The case was investigated by the Midland County Constable’s Office–Precinct 4, Midland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Klassen is prosecuting Rios for the Government.

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