PHILADELPHIA—An indictment filed today charges Dale Mentzer, 36, of Waymart, Pennsylvania, and Heath DeRizzo, 37, of Manheim, Pennsylvania, in a half-dozen armed robberies in Berks, Chester, Lebanon, and Northampton Counties between July 11, 2013 and July 19, 2013, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The pair was charged with two counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, four counts of bank robbery, two counts of use and carrying of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A third defendant, Samantha Henderson, 23, of Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, was charged with accessory to robbery after the fact.

According to the indictment, Mentzer and DeRizzo committed armed robberies at a Sovereign Bank branch in Kutztown, on July 11, 2013; a Northwest Savings Bank branch in Myerstown, on July 16, 2013; a First Cornerstone Bank branch in Phoenixville and The Rodeway Inn motel in Muhlenberg, on July 18, 2013; a National Penn Bank branch, on July 19, 2013; and, that same day, Cihylik Farms in Allen Township. Henderson is charged with assisting Mentzer and DeRizzo hinder and prevent their apprehension, trial, and punishment.

If convicted, defendants Mentzer and DeRizzo each face a minimum mandatory term of 32 years in prison up to life, a fine of up to $2.5 million, five years of supervised release, and a $1,000 special assessment. Henderson faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Allentown Resident Agency, Pennsylvania State Police, East Pikeland Township Police Department, Northampton Police Department, Kutztown Police Department, Muhlenberg Township Police Department, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, and FBI Baltimore-Salisbury Resident Agency. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Gallagher.

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