Marrero Man Admits To Tri-State Bank Heists

NEW ORLEANS – The sticky fingers of ZACHARY VERDIN, 29, of Marrero, Louisiana, have finally caught up with him. Verdin pleaded guilty today to robbing three banks across the New Orleans metropolitan area last summer, admitting to a brazen spree that terrorized tellers and left a trail of stolen cash.

According to federal prosecutors, Verdin’s first target was a Capital One Bank in his hometown of Marrero on July 19, 2021. He walked away with a paltry $521. But his appetite for ill-gotten gains only grew. A week later, on July 26, 2021, he hit a Chase Bank in New Orleans, snagging approximately $1,000. The final, and most lucrative, score came on August 2, 2021, when he robbed a Regions Bank in Gretna, Louisiana, making off with a hefty $12,540.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans didn’t mince words, stating the case represents a serious breach of public safety. The details revealed in the bill of information paint a picture of a calculated criminal, hopping between parishes to avoid detection. While the amounts stolen may seem small in the grand scheme of bank heists, the psychological impact on victims and the disruption caused by these robberies are significant.

VERDIN now faces a grim future. He’s looking at up to twenty (20) years imprisonment per count – a potential total of sixty years behind bars. On top of that, he could be slapped with up to a $250,000 fine per count, three (3) years of supervised release after serving his time, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each robbery. That’s a steep price to pay for a few weeks of reckless crime.

Federal authorities are praising the collaborative effort that brought Verdin to justice. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, along with officers from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department, worked tirelessly to build a solid case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is leading the prosecution, and is expected to argue for the maximum sentence at the sentencing hearing scheduled for February 22, 2022.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. This conviction serves as a stark reminder that federal law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling criminal enterprises and holding those who prey on our communities accountable for their actions. Expect further updates as the story unfolds.

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