Lubbock, Texas – Russell Eugene Heath, 45, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced to 295 months in federal prison, consecutive to his 24-month supervised release revocation, for his role in the takeover style robberies of two banks in May 2013.
Heath 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, in connection with the robberies of Lubbock National Bank and FirstBank Southwest Bank.
According to court documents, on May 1, 2013, Heath, wearing a mask and gloves and carrying a firearm, entered Lubbock National Bank, located at 4420 19th Street in Lubbock, and pointed the gun at tellers, yelling at them to give him money. Heath jumped over a counter, opened a teller drawer and began stuffing money in his pockets. He then ran from the bank to a waiting vehicle driven by co-defendant Gabriel Tenorio.
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. He then ran from the bank into a waiting vehicle, driven by Tenorio.
The FBI, Lubbock Police Department, Amarillo Police Department, and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams prosecuted.
Heath’s sentence of 295 months in federal prison will be served consecutive to his 24-month supervised release revocation.
Defendant/respondent: Russell Eugene Heath, 45, of Lubbock, Texas.
Criminal charges: one count of aggravated bank robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
City and state: Lubbock, Texas.
Exact date: May 1, 2013 (robbery), May 1, 2013 (sentencing), November 2013 (guilty plea).
Sentence or outcome: 295 months in federal prison, consecutive to 24-month supervised release revocation.
Exact date with month/day/year (sentencing, arrest, or crime date): May 1, 2013.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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