Ryan W. Nelson, Bank Robbery, California 2021

Related Federal Cases

Daniel Asa Hitesman, Bank Robbery Attempt, California 2024 · California
Michael Brian Taylor, Bank Robbery, California 2016 · California
Jose Lemus, Armed Bank Robbery, California 2011 · California
Kenneth Michael Ellis, Bank Robbery, California 2016 · California
Eric Walter Gray, Bank Robbery, California 2024 · California

Table of Contents

San Diego Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Bank Robberies

A San Diego man has been sentenced to five years in prison for committing three robberies, including two bank robberies and the armed robbery of a shoe store. Ryan W. Nelson, 33, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 60 months in prison for the crimes, which took place in July and August of 2019.

Nelson was ordered to pay $11,572 in restitution to the businesses he robbed, including Shoe Palace and the Vons Supermarket. The robberies were a terrifying and unforgettable experience for the victims, who were left shaken by the incidents. ‘These robberies were a terrifying and unforgettable experience for the victims,’ said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. ‘Hopefully this sentence will restore a sense of safety to the victims and the community.’

Nelson committed the robberies on July 29, 2019, August 15, 2019, and August 23, 2019. On July 29, 2019, he entered the Shoe Palace, located within the Plaza Bonita Mall in National City, dressed as a construction worker with a safety vest, safety glasses, and a hard hat. He pointed a black handgun at a clerk and demanded cash from the cash register, taking approximately $600.

On August 15, 2019, Nelson entered the Vons Supermarket at 6155 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, and approached the teller window of the U.S. Bank branch located inside. He pretended to talk on his cell phone but in fact gave the teller step-by-step verbal commands, demanding the teller to give him money by stating something similar to, ‘Grab a bag. Start with the hundreds. Put all the money in the bag and give it to me, or I’m gonna shoot.’

Nelson also committed an armed robbery at the Vons Supermarket at 8011 University Avenue, La Mesa, California, on August 23, 2019. He pretended to talk on his cell phone but in fact demanded money from the three victim tellers by giving step-by-step verbal commands, stating something similar to, ‘Start with your 100s and put them in a bag, or I’ll start shooting.’

The FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force is out on the street with local partners every day working to keep San Diegans safe. Violent crime investigations are a priority, and agents are dedicated to bringing justice for the victims and the communities affected by these robberies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Brehm praised the excellent work of the FBI agents, local police departments, and officials involved in the case.

Nelson’s sentence is a result of his guilty plea in October of 2020, where he admitted to committing the robberies. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay $11,572 in restitution to the businesses he robbed. The case is a reminder of the importance of working together to keep communities safe and bring justice to those affected by crime.