Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery

MINNEAPOLIS—Late last week in federal court, a 51-year-old Minneapolis man pleaded guilty to robbing the TCF Bank on West Lake Street in Minneapolis. He also admitted robbing three other banks. On January 11, 2013, Phillip Leo Nietz specifically pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Nietz, who was indicted on October 10, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Patrick J. Schiltz.

In his plea agreement, Nietz admitted that on August 22, 2012, he walked into the West Lake Street branch of TCF Bank and gave a teller a note demanding money. He took approximately $3,794, placed it in a black bag, and left the premises on foot. Nietz also admitted robbing three other banks in the same manner: a U.S. Bank in Roseville on August 14, 2012 ($1,047); a Wells Fargo in St. Paul on August 28, 2012 ($7,389); and a U.S. Bank in St. Paul on September 13, 2012 ($1,045).

For his crime, Nietz faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Judge Schiltz will determine his sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.