Two Charged in Armed Robbery of Westmoreland Federal Credit Union

Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, February 2, 2010, that a resident of Crafton, Pennsylvania and a resident of Huntington, West Virginia have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank robbery and firearms violations.

The six-count indictment named David Mathis, age 45, of Crafton, Pennsylvania, and Lamont Laprade, age 33, of Huntington, West Virginia.

According to the indictment, Mathis and Laprade committed the armed robbery of the Westmoreland Community Federal Credit Union located at 1007 Georges Station Road, Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on or about January 8, 2010. On or about January 8, 2006, Mathis possessed a firearm, namely, a Glock 26, 9mm pistol, bearing serial number KPE340. Because Mathis has a previous conviction for a felony offense, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.

Assistant United States Attorney Constance M. Bowden, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.