Española Bandit Jailed Over 12 Years for Bank Robbery

ALBUQUERQUE – The grim tale of an Española man’s armed ATM heist has concluded with a lengthy federal prison sentence. Michael Cobb, 42, was today sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for robbing an ATM technician at gunpoint on January 15, 2022.

The brazen crime unfolded outside the Century Bank in Española, where Cobb threatened an ATM technician and made off with cash canisters. No parole is available within the federal system’s confines, a fact that ensures Cobb will spend a substantial portion of his life behind bars.

Cobb was identified through the diligent work of law enforcement. The Española Police Department’s use of license plate reader technology led to the recovery of the red Chevrolet Sonic involved in the crime. Surveillance footage matched Cobb with the vehicle, which was traced back to his family residence in Ohkay Owingeh.

On January 19, 2022, Pojoaque Tribal Police tracked down the car at Buffalo Thunder Casino, where they apprehended Cobb following a brief pursuit. Cash consistent with the stolen denominations was recovered from him upon arrest.

Pled guilty to bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on November 26, 2024, Cobb is facing an additional three years of supervised release after his release from prison. The U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office announced the sentence.

This case was investigated by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Española Police Department and Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Bell prosecuted the case to its conclusion.