Grimy Times Exclusive: Armed Bank Robber Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

HOUSTON, TEXAS – In a shocking turn of events, a second individual charged in the armed robbery of two local banks has been ordered to prison for more than 16 years. Barry Ogilvie, 37, of Houston, pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting aggravated bank robbery and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence on March 28, 2011.

Ogilvie, along with co-conspirator Andrea Steptore, 30, of Houston, robbed the Prosperity Bank located on the 2800 block of F.M. 1960 East in Houston on September 9, 2010. During the robbery, Ogilvie shot two rounds of ammunition into a wall, but fortunately, no one was injured. However, behind the wall was a drive-thru teller stand, which was narrowly avoided by the bank’s patrons.

Just 10 days later, Ogilvie and Steptore attempted to rob the Vista Bank on the 14500 block of Northwest Freeway in Houston. Armed with semi-automatic pistols and wearing masks, they approached the bank, but were quickly apprehended by an off-duty police officer who was working security at the time. Steptore was able to flee in a getaway vehicle, but Ogilvie was arrested on the scene.

Zachary Ellis, 48, of Houston, has also been implicated in the heists. Ellis, who allegedly scouted both banks prior to the robberies, shared in the proceeds with Ogilvie and Steptore. Wheeler, 21, of Houston, stole a car used in the robbery and waited around the corner in a switch vehicle.

Ogilvie was sentenced to 78 months for each of the two bank robbery charges, which will run concurrently. He was also ordered to serve 10 years for the firearm conviction, which must be served consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 198 months. Following his prison term, Ogilvie will be required to serve three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Houston Bank Robbery Task Force, with Assistant United States Attorney Jennie Basile prosecuting the case. Ogilvie’s sentencing marks the latest development in a string of high-profile bank robberies in the Houston area. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate, we will provide updates on this and other related cases.

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