San Antonio Man Guilty of Armed Bank Robbery

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX—Joseph C. M. Krist, 41, has been convicted of bank robbery and using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The Corpus Christi federal jury convicted Krist following a two-day trial and less than three hours of deliberation.

On January 13, 2013, Krist robbed the IBC Bank on the corner of Everhart and Burney in Corpus Christi. Krist entered the bank wearing a hoodie and a green shirt sleeve covering part of his face while carrying a .40 caliber pistol. He pointed the weapon at the tellers and told them to “hurry up.” He obtained a large amount of currency and fled the bank.

The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) responded to the robbery but were unable to apprehend Krist at that time. Three days later, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) was able to locate Krist at a camp ground in Uvalde and arrested him. At that time, authorities found a large amount of cash, the firearm, a hoodie, and a green T-shirt missing a single shirt sleeve. Krist admitted to committing the robbery.

At the time of the robbery, Krist was a prior convicted bank robber both in state and federal court and was wanted by the authorities for violations of his state parole and federal supervised release.

At trial, Krist claimed he was not in Corpus Christi at the time of the robbery and that he knew the robber’s identity and is prepared to assist the authorities.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos, who presided over trial, has set sentencing for March 28, 2014. At that time, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the bank robbery as well as a mandatory seven-year term for using the firearm during the commission of the crime which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

The case was investigated by the FBI and CCPD with the assistance of USMS. Assistant United States Attorney Lance Duke prosecuted the case.