In a recent development, Guam resident Vicente Guerrero Perez has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for bank robbery and failure to update his sex offender registration. Per the United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Perez admitted to robbing the Dededo branch of First Hawaiian Bank in Guam by handing a note to the teller demanding money. The teller complied, placing approximately $1,560.00 into a plastic bag. Perez’s actions were captured on surveillance cameras, and he was later identified through a public tip. Additionally, Perez was required to update his sex offender registration every six months, which he failed to do since April 2021. The court also imposed five years of supervised release, restitution, community service, and a mandatory special assessment fee. These severe penalties underscore the gravity of Perez’s crimes and ensure the safety of the community.
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Guam Resident Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Bank Robbery and Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration
Introduction
In a recent court ruling, a Guam resident, Vicente Guerrero Perez, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for committing bank robbery and failing to update his sex offender registration. The charges brought against him reflect the severity of his actions and the potential risk he poses to the community. This article will provide an overview of the case, including details of the bank robbery incident, the failure to update his sex offender registration, the sentencing, and the significance of this outcome in terms of community safety.
Background
The case of Vicente Guerrero Perez represents the convergence of two serious offenses – bank robbery and failure to update a sex offender registration. Each offense carries its own set of legal consequences, all of which have been meted out in this case. This article will elucidate the specific charges brought against the defendant, their corresponding violated codes, and provide a comprehensive overview of the legal framework enforcing these offenses.
Defendant and Charges
Vicente Guerrero Perez, aged 57, is the defendant in this case. He faces charges for bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a), and failure to update his sex offender registration, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). The sentencing for these charges will be explored further in subsequent sections.
Sentencing
Perez has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for his crimes. Additionally, he will be subject to five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. The court has also ordered restitution in the amount of $1,560.00, reflecting the funds stolen during the bank robbery. Perez will be required to complete 100 hours of community service as part of his sentence. Furthermore, he has been ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.00.
Bank Robbery Incident
The bank robbery incident took place on August 13, 2021, at the Dededo branch of the First Hawaiian Bank in Guam. Perez entered the bank and proceeded to wait in line. Once he reached the teller, he handed them a plastic bag along with a note, indicating his intentions to rob the bank. In response to the note, the teller placed approximately $1,560.00 into the plastic bag out of fear for their safety. After leaving the bank, Perez’s actions triggered a silent alarm.
Surveillance cameras captured footage of Perez during the robbery. To aid in his identification, still images from the footage were distributed to the public. The subsequent investigation was able to identify Perez thanks to a tip received by FBI agents. Once located, Perez confessed to the bank robbery during an interview with law enforcement.
Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration
In addition to the bank robbery charge, Perez was found guilty of failing to update his sex offender registration. This requirement stemmed from a prior conviction in 1992 for Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. As a registered sex offender, Perez was obligated to update his registration every six months in person. However, records from the Guam Sex Offender Registry indicated that Perez had not fulfilled this obligation since April 2021. Previous noncompliance with sex offender registration requirements had already resulted in a prison sentence of 21 months for Perez.
Court Statement
In response to the sentencing of Vicente Guerrero Perez, United States Attorney Anderson released a statement emphasizing the severity of Perez’s crimes. Anderson highlighted the importance of protecting communities from individuals like Perez, who engage in criminal behavior. The statement also expressed appreciation for the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the vital role played by public assistance in bringing Perez to justice.
FBI’s Role and Comment
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a crucial role in this case, collaborating with the Guam Police Department to investigate and apprehend Vicente Guerrero Perez. FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill underscored the commitment of the FBI to protecting Guam from violent crimes. He also acknowledged the stiffer penalties and absence of parole for registered sex offenders at the federal level, resulting in stronger consequences for individuals like Perez who commit additional crimes.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Vicente Guerrero Perez to 70 months in federal prison for bank robbery and failure to update his sex offender registration represents a significant step towards protecting the community and upholding the law. The court’s decision to impose a substantial prison term, supervised release, restitution, community service, and a special assessment fee reflects the gravity of Perez’s actions. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, coupled with public cooperation, played an instrumental role in bringing Perez to justice. This case underscores the commitment of authorities to ensure community safety and the appropriate punishment of those who violate the law.