ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A brazen bank heist committed by a North Carolina man has led to a federal indictment. Charles Lee Pingley, 52, was accused of robbing the Citizens Bank in Randolph County on multiple occasions.
The first alleged robbery occurred on February 8, 2020, where Pingley took a bag filled with $30,216.05 in cash. He is also accused of robbing the same bank on August 6, 2020, taking a bag filled with $25,668 in cash.
Pingley faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pingley’s alleged crimes have sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many wondering how such brazen acts went undetected for so long. As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: justice will be served.
The people of West Virginia deserve to feel safe in their communities, and it is up to law enforcement to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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