Gardena Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Throwing Molotov Cocktail Inside Torrance Bank Branch

Gardena woman sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for throwing Molotov cocktail in Torrance bank branch. Learn about the incident and its consequences.

Teranee Millet, a woman from Gardena, California, has been sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail inside a bank branch in Torrance. The incident occurred after Millet had a dispute with the branch manager and demanded to be helped by another teller. When her request was denied, Millet became agitated and threatened to “blow this bitch up.” She later returned to the bank and threw a Molotov cocktail, causing a fire. Fortunately, a bank customer was able to extinguish the fire before it caused significant damage. Millet was apprehended several months later in Georgia. The FBI, the Torrance Police Department, and the Torrance Fire Department conducted the investigation.

Teranee Millet sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for throwing Molotov cocktail in Torrance bank

Teranee Millet, a resident of Gardena, has been sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail inside a Bank of America branch in Torrance. The incident took place on September 20, 2021, after Millet had a dispute with the bank manager. Millet pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and destructive device on March 21, 2023. She was sentenced by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr.

Millet’s guilty plea and sentencing

After being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and destructive device, Teranee Millet pleaded guilty to the charges on March 21, 2023. Following her guilty plea, she has been sentenced to 2 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crime committed by Millet and serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar acts of violence.

The incident at Bank of America branch in Torrance

On September 20, 2021, Teranee Millet entered a Bank of America branch in Torrance with the intention of conducting a transaction. However, she soon became frustrated with the wait time and demanded to be helped by another teller. When the bank manager informed her that no other tellers were available and she would have to continue waiting, Millet became irate. She used profane language and threatened to “blow this bitch up.”

Return to the bank and throwing Molotov cocktail

After making the threat to blow up the bank, Teranee Millet left the premises. However, just a few minutes later, she returned to the bank branch, carrying a Molotov cocktail. She threw the explosive device inside the bank, causing a fire in the middle of the bank. Fortunately, a quick-thinking bank customer managed to extinguish the fire before it spread. The incident caused panic and fear among the bank employees and customers, who were present at the time.

Threatening another customer and damaging their vehicle

Not content with the damage caused by the Molotov cocktail, Teranee Millet also threatened another customer at the bank and damaged their vehicle. As she fled the scene, Millet threw a glass bottle at the customer’s truck, causing minor damage to the vehicle. This act of aggression and vandalism added to the list of charges against her and further demonstrated her dangerous and reckless behavior.

Arrest in Georgia after a chase in a stolen van

Following the incident at the bank, Teranee Millet went on the run. She was eventually apprehended in Georgia after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase in a stolen U-Haul van. The chase ended with the van crashing, resulting in injuries to Millet. She received medical treatment for her injuries before being taken into custody.

Discovery of incendiary devices in the van

During their investigation, law enforcement officers discovered a disturbing cache of incendiary devices in the stolen van driven by Teranee Millet. Inside a gym bag, they found four packs of glass bottles with tissue paper inserted inside, a can of lighter fluid, and a five-gallon can of gasoline. These items clearly indicated Millet’s intent to cause harm and destruction beyond the incident at the bank. The discovery of these incendiary devices highlighted the ongoing danger posed by Millet and the importance of her arrest.

Law enforcement investigation and identification of Millet

The investigation into Teranee Millet’s actions was a collaborative effort by various law enforcement agencies. The FBI, the Torrance Police Department, and the Torrance Fire Department all played crucial roles in identifying and apprehending Millet. Law enforcement utilized bank surveillance photos to help identify her and gather evidence. Their diligent efforts ensured that Millet would be held accountable for her actions.

Investigating agencies involved

Several agencies were involved in the investigation into Teranee Millet’s crimes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took the lead in coordinating efforts and gathering evidence. The Torrance Police Department provided crucial on-the-ground support and assisted in the identification and apprehension of Millet. The Torrance Fire Department also played a role in assessing the damage caused by the Molotov cocktail and ensuring the safety of the bank employees and customers.

Prosecution of the case

Assistant United States Attorney Kellye Ng of the Violent and Organized Crime Section was responsible for prosecuting the case against Teranee Millet. Ng presented the evidence gathered by law enforcement agencies and argued for the appropriate charges and sentencing. The successful prosecution of the case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety and security of the community.

In conclusion, Teranee Millet’s sentencing to 2 years in federal prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail inside a Torrance bank demonstrates the serious consequences of engaging in acts of violence and destruction. Her guilty plea and the subsequent prosecution of the case reflect the cooperation and dedication of law enforcement agencies in ensuring that justice is served. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of swift response and investigation by law enforcement to protect the public from such acts of violence.