November 21, 2014

Houston Man Charged with Robbing BBVA Compass Bank at Galleria Mall

HOUSTON—Emiliano Trevino, 25, of Houston, has been charged federally for aggravated bank robbery and brandishing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Perrye K. Turner, special agent in charge of the FBI.

The criminal complaint was filed Monday, Nov. 17, 2014. Today, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy, at which time the court ordered him to be temporarily detained and then ordered into a drug treatment program. Upon completion, he will be permitted release upon posting a $50,000 bond.

According to the charges, Trevino entered the BBVA Compass Bank on Westheimer Road on the third floor of the Galleria Mall Oct. 16, 2014, at approximately 12:42 p.m. Trevino allegedly approached a teller, reached into his jacket and displayed a revolver. He then demanded cash in the form of $100, $50 and $20 bills from the teller, according to the charges. The complaint further alleges he said “thank you” then left the bank.

Surveillance captured his image and he was later located with the help of Crime Stoppers, according to the complaint.

If convicted, Trevino faces up to 25 years in prison for the bank robbery. He further faces an additional seven years in federal prison for brandishing a firearm which would be served consecutively. The charge also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

This case has been investigated by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force which includes personnel from the FBI, Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Crime Stoppers Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Searle is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.