Armed Bandit Oswaldo Bonilla Sentenced to 12 Years for Maryland Robbery

Greenbelt, Maryland – Oswaldo Jariel Bonilla, 29, of Adelphi, was meted out a 12-year federal prison sentence by U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang for a daring armed commercial robbery attempt in Prince George’s County.

The judge also ordered Bonilla to pay $1,038.99 in restitution to the towing company he targeted. The charges included conspiracy to commit an armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on January 5, 2016, Bonilla and an accomplice aimed to rob a local towing business. Armed with a .45 caliber revolver, they tried to enter through the back door but were thwarted by a vigilant employee. A dramatic confrontation ensued, culminating in shots fired at both employees and police.

Bonilla was captured nearby while attempting to break into a residence. Despite swallowing two bullets to hide evidence, he was apprehended. Bonilla had prior felony convictions, including a 2009 robbery conviction, and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Edmonston Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their diligent work on this investigation. Rosenstein also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Michael T. Packard and Thomas M. Sullivan for their prosecution of the case.