Sheila Cassata, Bank Robbery, New York 2023

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A shocking bank robbery case has unfolded in Buffalo, New York, with the arrest of 48-year-old Sheila Cassata. According to authorities, Cassata has been charged with bank robbery and accessory after the fact, punishable by a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $375,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten stated that, as per the complaint, on December 27, 2013, Cassata drove Michael Mitchell, a separate defendant charged in a federal complaint, to a Key Bank located at 201 Amherst Street near Military Road in Buffalo. Mitchell informed Cassata that he was going to get “coin rolls.”

Cassata then proceeded to a nearby fast food restaurant and waited for Mitchell to call. After receiving a call from Mitchell to pick him up near the bank, Mitchell allegedly instructed Cassata to get him out of there quickly because he can’t be caught with a weapon. Cassata subsequently dropped Mitchell off and he paid her $100.00 for “driving him around.”

Cassata’s arrest marks the 12th defendant federally charged in a series of 22 bank robberies suspected to be related. A 13th defendant is facing state charges in the case. Cassata made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott and was released on conditions.

Michael Mitchell, on the other hand, made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on January 21, 2014.

The investigation behind Cassata’s arrest was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig, in collaboration with the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Michael Ciminelli.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of bank robberies and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts in combating such crimes.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing case.

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