A brazen daylight robbery at the Santa Fe Federal Credit Union Bank in Albuquerque left customers shaken, but thanks to quick thinking and fast action by the Albuquerque Police Department, the suspect was caught and brought to justice. Joshua Abeyta, 23, of Rio Rancho, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on a bank robbery charge.
The crime occurred on October 19, 2015 at the bank located at 7101 Jefferson St. NE in Albuquerque, when Abeyta handed a handwritten note with a robbery demand to a bank teller. The bank teller complied with Abeyta’s written and verbal robbery demands by handing money to Abeyta. Abeyta left the scene on foot and was pursued by customers of the bank before being arrested by an officer of the Albuquerque Police Department.
Abeyta was indicted on the same charge on November 17, 2015. On August 19, 2016, Abeyta entered a guilty plea to the indictment, and admitted robbing the Santa Fe Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque on October 19, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley prosecuted the case.
The 37-month prison sentence handed down to Abeyta is a significant blow to the community, and a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies to keeping our streets safe. Abeyta’s conviction also serves as a warning to would-be criminals that bank robbery will not be tolerated in our city.
The case is a reminder that bank robbery is a serious crime with severe consequences. In addition to the prison sentence, Abeyta will also face three years of supervised release, during which time he will be subject to strict conditions and monitoring.
The community can rest a little easier knowing that Abeyta is behind bars, and that justice has been served. The Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI are to be commended for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant’s full name: Joshua Abeyta, Exact criminal charges: Bank robbery, City and state: Albuquerque, New Mexico, Exact date of crime: October 19, 2015, Sentence or outcome: 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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