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Press Release

Grand Forks Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal Prison

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of North Dakota

FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 10, 2016, Charlene Mae Corona, 40, Crookston Minn., was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 9 years in federal prison for two counts of Bank Robbery. Judge Erickson also ordered that Corona pay $21,890.26 in restitution, serve 3 years supervised release, and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on September 30, 2015, Corona entered the Bremer Bank located at 921 North Washington St., Grand Forks, ND, and demanded money from the teller.  Corona pulled out a knife and pointed it at one of the employees who then provided money to Corona, and Corona placed the money into a tote bag. An investigation was initiated by the FBI and Grand Forks Police Department.

On October 12, 2015, Corona entered the Citizens Community Credit Union located at 1215 N. 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND, and, while displaying a handgun, threw down a black bag and demanded money from a bank teller.

Surveillance video from each of the robberies showed that the same female committed both of the robberies.  Law enforcement received tips that the robber was Charlene Mae Corona, who was later arrested in Moorhead, Minnesota.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Sheriff’s Department, and the Moorhead Police Department.

First Assistant US Attorney Keith Reisenauer prosecuted the case.

Updated August 10, 2016

Topic
Violent Crime