Bank robber is sentenced to 11 years in federal prison

A federal judge today sentenced John F. Robinson, of Providence, to 132 months in prison for a robbery at a Bank of America branch in Providence in September.

United States Attorney Robert Clark Corrente announced the sentence, which Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres imposed today in U.S. District Court, Providence. Judge Torres also ordered Robinson to make $2,549 restitution to the bank.

In January, Robinson, 39, formerly of Veazie Street, pleaded guilty to a federal bank robbery charge. At the plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney James H. Leavey said that the government could prove that Robinson went into the Bank of America branch on Atwells Avenue on September 29, and, with a sweater covering his mouth, passed a teller a note stating, "Give me all the money or I will hurt you." The teller gave him $2,549, plus a dye pack, and Robinson fled the bank.

Providence Police arrested Robinson three days later, after two tellers identified him from a group of photographs. He told police that he used the proceeds of the robbery to buy drugs.

Providence Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the robbery. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee represented the government at today's sentencing.

Contact: 401-709-5032 Thomas.connell@usdoj.gov

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