Sean C. Cortez, Bank Robbery, Nebraska 2018

Bank Robber Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

A 38-year-old Omaha man was sentenced to 133 months in prison for his role in multiple robberies across the city. Sean C. Cortez, 38, was found guilty of two counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, according to a statement from the United States Attorney's office.

The crimes took place in July 2018, with Cortez robbing the Phillips 66 Select Mart at 3707 Center Street on July 8, 2018. He approached the front counter, pointed his hand as if he had a gun, and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk, however, did not comply, and Cortez fled the scene.

Less than a week later, on July 13, 2018, Cortez robbed the U.S. Bank at 3225 South 42nd Street. He entered the bank, slid a teller a note demanding money, and received $444.00 before leaving the bank.

On July 14, 2018, Cortez robbed the First National Bank located inside the Hy-Vee at 5150 Center Street. Similar to the U.S. Bank robbery, Cortez passed a teller a note demanding $100 bills and was able to leave the bank with $851.00.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Great Plains Violent Crimes Task Force and the Omaha Police robbery unit. Cortez will begin a three-year term of supervised release after completing his 133-month prison sentence. He was also ordered to pay $1,295.00 in restitution.

The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. handed down the sentence in federal court. Cortez will serve no parole in the federal system.

Cortez's crimes had a significant impact on the community, with multiple businesses affected by his actions. The sentence handed down serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing such crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/omaha-man-sentenced-multiple-robberies