Albuquerque Woman Admits Role in Bank Robbery Spree

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Joleen Sedillo, 42, of Albuquerque, took a deal with federal prosecutors this morning, admitting her role in a brazen series of bank robberies that plagued the city in the summer of 2016. Sedillo faces 27 to 33 months in federal prison, followed by a period of supervised release, the length of which will be determined by the court. This plea, while securing a conviction, leaves two alleged accomplices still facing the music.

The case began in July 2016, with the arrest of Sedillo, Abel Lopez, 31, and William Colbert, 38, all of Albuquerque. Authorities allege the trio targeted Bank of the West branches across the city, successfully robbing locations at 5401 Central Ave. NE and 7900 Wyoming Blvd. NE on June 22nd and June 27th, 2016, respectively. They also attempted a robbery at the 5228 Central Ave. SW branch on July 14th, 2016, before being apprehended.

A grand jury indictment in August 2016 formally charged Sedillo, Lopez, and Colbert with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, the actual bank robberies, and the attempted heist. The indictment detailed a pattern of coordinated criminal activity within Bernalillo County, painting a picture of a calculated, if ultimately unsuccessful, crime spree. The feds weren’t buying the “misunderstanding” defense.

During today’s proceedings, Sedillo confessed to driving Lopez and Colbert to the targeted Bank of the West branches, effectively acting as their getaway driver. She further admitted to assisting in the aftermath of the July 14th attempted robbery, driving her co-defendants away from the scene and crucially, concealing the clothing worn by Colbert during the failed attempt – a clear attempt to obstruct justice. This admission sealed her fate.

Meanwhile, Lopez and Colbert maintain their innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. Both remain locked up, awaiting a trial date that has yet to be set. The government is clearly hoping Sedillo’s testimony will prove damning for her former partners in crime. As always, these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but the evidence is stacking up.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Murphy is handling the prosecution, and sources tell Grimy Times he’s not known for cutting deals. Expect a full-blown fight when Lopez and Colbert finally face their day in court. This case serves as a stark reminder that bank robbery, even attempted, carries serious federal consequences.

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