Albuquerque man appears in federal court for bank robbery charge

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Paul Ramirez, 33, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court on Dec. 27 on a charge of bank robbery. Ramirez will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Dec. 29.

            A federal grand jury indicted Ramirez on Dec. 8. According to the indictment and other court records, on Nov. 1, Ramirez allegedly entered a Bank of the West location in Albuquerque and presented a demand note to a teller. The teller complied and Ramirez allegedly placed the money in a bag and fled the bank on a motorcycle.

            Albuquerque police responding to the robbery spotted Ramirez and followed him. Ramirez allegedly proceeded to an off-road area where he discarded his helmet and backpack as well as some articles of clothing. Officers continued following Ramirez to an apartment and later arrested Ramirez after he left the apartment. At the time of the arrest, Ramirez allegedly had the money from the robbery in his possession.

            An indictment is only an accusation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Ramirez faces up to 20 years in prison.

            The FBI Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.