Homestead Man Faces Bank Robbery and Firearms Charges

PITTSBURGH—A resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted bank robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and violations of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The seven-count superseding indictment named Jay Gregory Mathis, 44.

According to the superseding indictment, on Jan. 8, 2009, Mathis attempted to rob the National City Bank located at 5601 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Also, on June 19, 2009, Mathis took approximately $221 in cash from an employee of the Courtyard Marriott located at 401 West Waterfront Drive, West Homestead, Pa. Mathis, a convicted felon, also possessed a firearm. Since Mathis has previously been convicted of a felony offense, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm. Mathis also used and carried a firearm during, and in relation to crimes of violence, and possessed said firearm in furtherance of said crimes of violence.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 105 years 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Swartz is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.