MIA – A brazen crime spree left a trail of cash and threats in its wake, but Miami police have finally caught up with the suspect. Christopher C. Pinkston, 43, has been charged with robbing two banks in South Florida last month, leaving a total of $30,000 on the table.
According to court documents, Pinkston entered the Chase Bank on February 11, 2020, and handed the teller a note saying: “I need 30,000 Dollars or everybodys [sic] Dead.” The victim teller gave Pinkston $1,000 in cash, after which Pinkston exited the bank, leaving the demand note behind.
But that wasn’t the only bank in Pinkston’s sights. On February 19, 2020, he entered the City National Bank and handed the teller a note saying: “Goodmorning this is a robbery Handover $30,000 you have less than one min no ink bombs or trackers Thank you [sic].” The victim teller handed Pinkston $5,100 in cash, after which Pinkston exited the bank, leaving the demand note behind.
Pinkston will make his initial appearance today at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan, who sits in Miami. FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro and U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan announced the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years each.
Each bank robbery charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI, Miami Dade Police Department, and City of Miami Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Egozi is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation containing allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty in a court of law.
You may find a copy of the press release on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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