⏱ 2 min read
Bob Pilletto Best, a 60-year-old Jacksonville man, robbed First Arkansas Bank & Trust on February 6, 2025, making off with $5,300. Best, who has a prior conviction for bank robbery, entered the bank, pretended to look for something to write on, and then demanded cash from a teller, claiming he had a firearm. He fled the scene, but was later identified and apprehended. On July 16, 2026, Best was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his crime.
According to the investigation, Best approached the teller with one hand tucked under his arm, implying he had a gun, and instructed her to hand over all the $50 and $100 bills in the cash drawer. The teller complied, giving Best $5,300 in cash. Best then ran out of the bank’s front door, prompting a search by local law enforcement.
Best pleaded guilty to the charge on January 8, 2026. In addition to his 20-year sentence, he was also ordered to pay restitution to the bank and will serve three years of supervised release. As there is no parole in the federal system, Best will serve his full sentence.
The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Police Department and prosecuted by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Best’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crime and the need to protect the community from further harm.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Arkansas
- Location: AR
- Source: DOJ Press Release
