In a recent court ruling, Ariel Valero, a 45-year-old man from Hialeah, Florida, has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for committing an armed bank robbery. The incident occurred on December 26, 2019, when Valero entered a Wells Fargo bank in Miramar, Broward County, wearing a black jumpsuit and ski mask. Armed with a firearm, he jumped onto the teller counter, threatened the individuals there, and made off with a total of $30,959.99 in cash. Valero was captured on surveillance footage leaving the scene on a bicycle, which was later found to contain his DNA. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentencing.
Summary
U.S. Attorney Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sentences Ariel Valero to over 11 years in federal prison for armed bank robbery
Valero brandished a firearm and stole $30,959.99 in cash
Valero was caught on surveillance footage leaving the scene of the robbery
Forensic examination of the bicycle seat revealed Valero’s DNA
The case was investigated by FBI Miami with assistance from the Miramar Police Department
In a significant development, U.S. Attorney Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga has sentenced Ariel Valero to over 11 years in federal prison for committing an armed bank robbery. Valero, who brandished a firearm during the crime, managed to steal $30,959.99 in cash. However, he was caught on surveillance footage leaving the scene of the robbery. The subsequent forensic examination of the bicycle seat used by Valero during the crime revealed his DNA. The case was investigated by FBI Miami, with valuable assistance provided by the Miramar Police Department.
Background
Overview of the Hialeah man’s armed bank robbery
Details about the location and date of the robbery
The armed bank robbery committed by Ariel Valero, a resident of Hialeah, has shocked the community. On December 26, 2019, Valero entered a Wells Fargo bank located in Miramar, Broward County, Florida, fully covered in a black jumpsuit and wearing a ski mask. Armed with a black firearm, Valero jumped onto the teller counter, threatening the bank employees, and successfully made away with $30,959.99 in cash.
Arrest and Trial
Valero’s arrest and subsequent trial
Evidence presented during the trial
Valero’s conviction for armed bank robbery
Following the armed bank robbery, Valero was subsequently arrested and brought to trial. The trial presented compelling evidence against Valero, including the surveillance footage capturing him leaving the scene of the robbery. The footage showed Valero riding away on a bicycle, which he later discarded in a nearby plaza. This crucial evidence played a significant role in his conviction for the armed bank robbery.
Sentencing
Judge Altonaga’s decision to sentence Valero to over 11 years in federal prison
Details about the supervised release following his prison term
U.S. Attorney Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga has made the decision to sentence Ariel Valero to over 11 years in federal prison for his involvement in the armed bank robbery. This substantial sentence sends a strong message that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated. In addition to the prison term, Valero will also be subject to five years of supervised release following his time in prison.
Case Investigation
Role of FBI Miami in investigating the case
Assistance provided by the Miramar Police Department
FBI Miami played a crucial role in the investigation of Ariel Valero’s armed bank robbery case. With their expertise and resources, they were able to gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case against Valero. The Miramar Police Department also provided valuable assistance throughout the investigation, further contributing to the successful outcome of the case.
Surveillance Footage
Description of the surveillance footage capturing Valero leaving the scene
Information about the bicycle used during the robbery
The surveillance footage proved to be a crucial piece of evidence in the investigation of Ariel Valero’s armed bank robbery. The footage clearly captured Valero leaving the scene of the robbery on a bicycle. He was seen pedaling away for a few blocks before abandoning the bicycle in a nearby plaza. The bicycle played a significant role in connecting Valero to the crime.
Forensic Examination
Details about the forensic examination of the bicycle seat
Discovery of Valero’s DNA on the bicycle seat
As part of the investigation, a forensic examination was conducted on the bicycle seat used by Ariel Valero during the armed bank robbery. This examination revealed the presence of Valero’s DNA on the seat. This critical piece of evidence further solidified his connection to the crime, ultimately leading to his conviction.
Prosecution
Assistant U.S. Attorneys involved in prosecuting the case
Role of Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster in handling asset forfeiture
The prosecution of Ariel Valero’s armed bank robbery case involved the expertise of Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Catherine Koontz and Ajay Alexander. They meticulously presented the evidence and built a strong case against Valero, leading to his conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster played a crucial role in handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case, ensuring that any ill-gotten gains would be appropriately addressed.
Related Court Documents
Instructions on accessing related court documents and information
For those interested in accessing related court documents and additional information regarding the case, they can be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov. Alternatively, they can also be accessed through http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov by searching for case number 23-cr-60020.
Contact Information
Contact details for the Public Affairs Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida
For any further inquiries or information, individuals can reach out to the Public Affairs Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida. They can be contacted via email at USAFLS.News@usdoj.gov.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Ariel Valero to over 11 years in federal prison for his armed bank robbery serves as a strong example of the consequences individuals face when engaging in such crimes. The tireless efforts of the FBI Miami and the assistance provided by the Miramar Police Department have played a vital role in the successful investigation and prosecution of this case. The forensic evidence, coupled with the surveillance footage, has provided an airtight case against Valero. This outcome underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the community.