Crafton Man Admits Using Gun During Violent Bank Robbery

PITTSBURGH—A resident of Crafton, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of a violating federal firearms laws in connection with a bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Mathis, 45, pleaded guilty on July 7, 2011, to one count before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Jan. 8, 2010, Mathis discharged a firearm, namely, a Glock 26, 9mm pistol, during the commission of a bank robbery at the Westmoreland County Federal Credit Union located in Hempfield Township.

When Mathis entered the credit union, he fired one round from the 9mm handgun. The bullet traveled through a computer monitor and struck a teller in the chest area. Mathis discharged another round from the 9 mm handgun, which lodged in the wall behind the teller stations. While in the credit union, Mathis struck another teller in the head with the gun. Prior to fleeing the credit union in the getaway vehicle, Mathis fired an additional two rounds from the 9mm handgun in the direction of a patron’s vehicle that was blocking his escape. Mathis took $6,878 from the Credit Union.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 26, 2011. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of David Mathis.