Bank Robber, Apprehended with Civilians’ Help, Pleads Guilty

PITTSBURGH—A resident of Ambridge, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Curtis James Porter, 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Porter robbed the Friendly Federal Credit Union, located at 2000 Main Street in Aliquippa, on Sept. 26, 2008. Porter entered the bank, leaned over the teller’s window, and said “give me the money or I’ll kill you.” Porter obtained approximately $9,600 in credit union funds from the employees before they pressed the panic button and ran away from the counter. Porter attempted to flee, but was caught outside by officers alerted by other credit union patrons. Those civilians observed the robbery in progress and stayed on the phone with 911 until Porter was apprehended. The police recovered $9,612 from his person and on the ground where he was arrested, along with a hat, new sunglasses with the tag still affixed, and a pair of pantyhose.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Aliquippa Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Porter.