Related Federal Cases
Friona Bank Robber Sentenced to 57 Months
AMARILLO, Texas — In a shocking turn of events, John Michael Garibay, 22, of Friona, Texas, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for committing the brazen armed robbery of the Friona Federal Credit Union on August 27, 2012.
According to investigators, the heist went down at approximately 12:06 p.m. that Monday when a man wearing a gas mask, later identified as Garibay, entered the Credit Union and demanded cash from a teller. The terrified bank employee handed over a stash of cash, and Garibay made his escape, spilling some of the loot down an alley as he fled the scene in a gray Dodge Charger.
Law enforcement quickly closed in on Garibay, locating him at a residence in a trailer park where they had spotted the getaway vehicle. During a search of the property, officers found a slew of evidence linking Garibay to the crime, including matching clothing, a black Nike backpack with a $5 bill inside, and a bank money strap with ‘Teller 33’ stamped on it.
In a bizarre twist, as Garibay was being transported to the Randall County Jail, he asked the officers how much time he would receive and nonchalantly remarked, ‘I made the case for you by telling you where the gun was.’
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Friona Police Department, and the Palmer County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Drake of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Amarillo, Texas, was in charge of the prosecution.
Garibay will also be required to pay $6,541 in restitution for the heist. The sentence marks the end of a lengthy and complex investigation, and brings a measure of justice to the victims of the brazen bank robbery.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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