Liverpool Man Going To Prison For Robbing Banks In Brighton And Buffalo, And Attempting To Rob A Third Bank In Niagara Falls

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Tyo, 34, of Liverpool, NY, who was convicted of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that over the course of four days in August 2019, Tyo robbed a bank in Brighton, NY; a bank in Buffalo, NY; and attempted to rob a third bank in Niagara Falls, NY: 

• On August 24, 2019, Tyo robbed the Citizens Bank inside the Tops Market on South Clinton Avenue in Brighton. Tyo gave the bank teller a detailed note that said, “if I even glimpse a dye-pack I will not hesitate to elevate the situation and you will be the first casualty.” The bank teller complied with Tyo’s demands and gave him U.S. currency, which Tyo took and fled the bank.
• On August 27, 2019, Tyo robbed a second Citizens Bank inside the Tops Market on South Park Avenue in Buffalo. He gave the bank teller a note demanding $50 and $100 bills and threatened the use of violence, stating in the note that he would use his gun if the teller did not cooperate. The teller complied and gave the defendant U.S. currency, which Tyo took and fled the bank.
• Also on August 27, 2019, Tyo attempted to rob a third bank, the Key Bank on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Niagara Falls. However, when he gave the teller a demand note, the teller said that they were dealing with a computer issue, and Tyo did not succeed in obtaining any money.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dave Catholdi, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.

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