Joseph G. Rachal, Armed Bank Robbery, Massachusetts 2015

An Everett man has been charged in connection with the armed robbery of the TD Bank in Allston, Massachusetts.

According to the police, on November 19, 2015, Joseph G. Rachal, 64, entered the TD Bank wearing a dark rubber mask. He approached two tellers, brandished a semi-automatic weapon, and demanded $2,397. The tellers handed over the cash and Rachal fled the scene.

Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene within minutes and spotted a man hiding behind a parked SUV one block from the bank. The man, later identified as Rachal, fled with a black nylon bag. After a brief struggle, Rachal was apprehended by police.

The officers found a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol, a radio scanner, and other items consistent with those used during the robbery in Rachal’s bag. Bank surveillance cameras confirmed the items were used during the robbery.

Rachal is facing charges of armed bank robbery, carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, FBI Special Agent Harold H. Shaw, and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine will be prosecuting the case.

Rachal is currently being held without bail. His detention and probable cause hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

The charge of armed bank robbery carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years to be served consecutive to the other charges.

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