Christopher Lee Wheatfall-Grate, Armed Bank Robbery, Colorado 2021

A Denver man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in an armed bank robbery.

On April 16, 2019, two robbers, one of whom was Christopher Lee Wheatfall-Grate, age 29, of Denver, entered the U.S. Bank in Westminster, brandishing handguns and ordering ‘hands up.’

Wheatfall-Grate jumped over the teller counter and confronted two tellers, while the second robber directed the bank manager to the vault and demanded access.

The robbers then fled with less than $1,400.00 and escaped in a waiting vehicle that had been stolen.

Wheatfall-Grate pleaded guilty on February 20, 2020, to one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to pay restitution to U.S. Bank in the amount of $1,318.00.

On February 1, 2021, United States District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson sentenced Wheatfall-Grate to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

“Bank robbery is simply one of the dumbest crimes: low payout, guaranteed arrest by the FBI, and a long federal prison sentence,” said United States Attorney Jason Dunn. “Would-be bank robbers really need to reassess whether a different, and lawful, line of work would be more fruitful.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Denver Police Department, and the Denver Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, while Assistant United States Attorney Kurt J. Bohn handled the prosecution.

The incident occurred on April 16, 2019, and Wheatfall-Grate was sentenced on February 1, 2021.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

David Oday Smith, Illegally Possessing a Loaded Firearm, District of Columbia 2024

Jul 1, 2018

Violent Crime

Tyrelis Austin, Armed Robbery, New York 2023

Nov 18, 2014

Violent Crime

Penneys, String of High-Stakes Heists, Texas 2023

Jul 1, 2024

Violent Crime

Dorais, Cocaine and Methamphetamine Distribution, Vermont 2023

Jul 1, 2004