PHILADELPHIA, PA – Maurice Ray, 34, is headed back to prison for a long stretch. The repeat offender was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Juan R. Sánchez to 180 months – fifteen years – for robbing two banks in Bucks and Philadelphia Counties within a mere three days. The sentence also includes three years of supervised release, a $200 special assessment, and an order to pay $2,147 in restitution.
The brazen robberies unfolded on December 14, 2021, when Ray hit a Citizens Bank branch in Philadelphia, and again on December 16, 2021, at a Bank of America in Bensalem, PA. In both instances, Ray didn’t bother with guns or threats – just simple demand notes, a tactic that clearly hadn’t worked the first time around. The FBI, Philadelphia Police Department and Bensalem Police Department weren’t fooled, however, and moved quickly.
Law enforcement tracked down and arrested Ray in Philadelphia the day after the second robbery. An indictment followed in January 2022, charging him with two counts of bank robbery. A federal jury didn’t take long to see through Ray’s charade, convicting him on both counts on August 15, 2023. This wasn’t his first rodeo, and the jury clearly wasn’t buying any sob stories.
“Maurice Ray is a career offender with a history of robbing banks and businesses,” stated U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “Two stints in prison have not deterred him. This 15-year sentence will at least keep him off the street and prevent him from claiming any additional victims.” Romero’s office made it clear they’re dedicated to cracking down on violent crime and holding perpetrators accountable, and Ray is Exhibit A.
Investigators from the Philadelphia Police Department, Bensalem Police Department, and the FBI worked the case, building a solid case against Ray. Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert prosecuted the case, successfully convincing the jury of Ray’s guilt. While 15 years won’t undo the fear Ray instilled in bank tellers and customers, it’s a step toward making the streets a little safer.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. Ray’s history suggests a pattern of disregard for the law, and it remains to be seen if this lengthy sentence will finally be enough to break the cycle. One thing is certain: Philadelphia and Bensalem are breathing a little easier knowing Ray is behind bars.
Related Federal Cases
- Philadelphia Man Faces 20-Year Sentence for Bank Heist · Pennsylvania
- Tax Thief Gets 20 Months · Pennsylvania
- Fake Robbery, Real Crime: Credit Union Worker Gets Prison · Pennsylvania
- Credit Union Thief Gets 8 Months · Pennsylvania
- Republic First Bank Collapses: Fulton Bank Swoops In · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
