Ohio Bank Heist: Crisman Gets 37 Years

RICHLAND COUNTY, OH – A brazen 2015 bank robbery that spiraled into a terrifying kidnapping and hostage situation has finally reached its conclusion, with three individuals sentenced to federal prison. The case, a chilling example of calculated greed and disregard for human life, involved the targeting of a KeyBank manager and his family.

Taylor Crisman, 19, of Galion, received the harshest sentence: 37 years in prison. Chris Hill, 24, also of Galion, was sentenced to 25 years. Sarah J. Garrett, 42, of Bucyrus, received 2 ½ years for her role in providing crucial information to the criminals. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent.

According to court documents and testimony, Crisman initiated the nightmare on November 5, 2015, by breaking into the home of the KeyBank branch manager in Ontario. He held the manager’s family hostage at gunpoint. When the manager returned home that evening, he too was taken captive, remaining a prisoner overnight. The following morning, Crisman, acting on instructions from Hill, forced the manager to rob the bank located on Lexington-Springmill Road. The manager was compelled to withdraw a large sum of money from the vault and return home, all while his wife and children remained under threat.

Crisman and Hill later counted the stolen loot – a total of $194,845 – with Garrett. The investigation revealed a disturbing element of pre-planning. Garrett, an employee at Marion County Family Court, abused her position to access the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway, illegally obtaining the bank manager’s home address and passing it on to the robbers. This act of betrayal facilitated the entire operation and put an innocent family in grave danger. Authorities recovered $171,058 of the stolen funds, and Judge Nugent ordered the defendants to pay restitution of the remaining $23,787.

“These defendants deserve every single day of these prison sentences,” declared U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon. “They terrorized an innocent family all for greed. The victims in this case are to be commended for the bravery and grace they showed in court today and in the aftermath of this unprovoked attack.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony echoed Rendon’s sentiment, stating, “The FBI hopes these lengthy prison sentences send a clear message to anyone considering committing such heinous acts — think again and don’t do it.”

Crisman and Hill were found guilty of bank robbery, kidnapping, hostage taking, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a felony, among other charges. Garrett pleaded guilty to receipt of ransom money and misprision of a felony. The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linda Barr and Benedict Gullo, following a joint investigation by the FBI, the Ontario Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. This case stands as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of criminal ambition and the dedication of law enforcement to bringing perpetrators to justice.