Russell Eugene Heath, Aggravated Bank Robbery, Texas 2013

Lubbock, Texas – In a brazen display of violence, Russell Eugene Heath, 45, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced to serve a total of 295 months in federal prison for his role in the takeover style robberies of two banks in May 2013.

Heath, who pleaded guilty in November 2013 to one count of aggravated bank robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings.

Co-defendant Gabriel Tenorio, 31, also of Lubbock and the getaway driver in the robberies, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated bank robbery and was sentenced in December 2013 to 140 months in federal prison.

The aggravated bank robbery conviction stems from the May 1, 2013, robbery of Lubbock National Bank, located at 4420 19th Street in Lubbock. Heath, wearing a mask and gloves and carrying a firearm, entered the bank and pointed the gun at tellers, yelling at them to give him money. He then jumped over a counter, opened a teller drawer and began stuffing money in his pockets.

Heath’s conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime stems from the May 20, 2013, robbery of FirstBank Southwest Bank, located at 5701 SW 34th Street in Amarillo, Texas. In that robbery, Heath entered the bank carrying a short-barreled shotgun, vaulted over the teller counter and stole money.

The FBI, Lubbock Police Department, Amarillo Police Department, and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office investigated the robberies. Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams prosecuted the case.

Heath’s 295-month prison sentence is consecutive to his 24-month supervised release revocation, bringing the total to 319 months. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

The robberies were a brazen display of violence, and Heath’s sentence is a fitting punishment for his crimes. The people of Texas can rest a little easier knowing that this violent offender is off the streets.

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