A federal jury in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has delivered a guilty verdict against Ferris Valentine, 54, of Omaha, Nebraska for his role in the 2016 and 2017 bank robberies of First National Bank.
The crimes, which netted around $278,000 in stolen funds, took place on November 15, 2016, and November 24, 2017. Valentine, who was aided by an accomplice in the first robbery and acted alone in the second, used a firearm to demand money from the bank employees.
According to the evidence presented in court, Valentine rented a car in Omaha, Nebraska, and drove to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his accomplice the day before the first robbery. Both robbers wore masks covering their faces during the heist.
On the second occasion, Valentine once again wore a mask and used a firearm to order the bank employees to comply. He escaped with money from the vault.
A DNA match connected Valentine’s partner to the first bank robbery, which led to the charges against Valentine.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons praised the detective work of the FBI, the Sioux Falls Police, and the DCI in solving the despicable crimes. ‘I can imagine few things more terrifying than being a bank teller just trying to earn an honest living at work who suddenly finds herself staring down the barrel of a loaded gun,’ Parsons said.
The charges against Valentine carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. A presentence investigation has been ordered and a sentencing date has been set for May 10, 2021. Valentine was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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