Getaway Driver Pleads Guilty To Armed Robbery of Bank of America Branch

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona
March 31, 2009

PHOENIX—Rene Leon, aka Jesus Avila, 20, of Phoenix, pleaded guilty on March 30th to Armed Bank Robbery for driving the getaway car for armed bank robbers who robbed a Bank of America branch in Phoenix.

On May 20, 2008, Leon drove two others who robbed a Bank of America located on North 7th Street in Phoenix. Leon, knowing that the two robbers were armed and were going to use handguns to demand money from the bank, waited for them outside. During the robbery, one person pointed a gun at four bank tellers, while another robber jumped the counter carrying a gun and demanded money from them. Fearing for their lives, the tellers gave the robber money. The gunmen took off with a substantial amount of cash, but were quickly apprehended.

A conviction for Armed Bank Robbery carries a maximum of 25 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine or both. Sentencing is set for June 15, 2009, in front of U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Jennifer E. Green and Raynette M. Logan, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-08-620-PHX-NVW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2009-108(Leon)