In a recent development, James Valentine Siehien, a serial bank robber from Tucson, Arizona, pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Robbery and two counts of Armed Bank Robbery. The sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2023, before United States District Judge Raner C. Collins. Siehien admitted to robbing approximately $4,000 from a Chase Bank, $2,700 from a PNC Bank with a fake explosive device, and $2,200 from a First Convenience Bank while possessing an axe. The potential penalties include up to 20 years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and several years of supervised release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tucson Police Department conducted the investigation in this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Adam Rossi is handling the prosecution.
Title and Introduction
Serial Bank Robber Pleads Guilty
In a recent development, James Valentine Siehien, a serial bank robber from Tucson, Arizona, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of bank robbery. The case, which involves several incidents of armed bank robbery, has garnered significant attention and raises concerns about the safety of banking institutions and the community at large. This article will provide an overview of the background information, details of the case, and the upcoming sentencing date. Furthermore, it will highlight the specific bank robbery charges faced by Siehien and the maximum penalties associated with these charges.
Background Information
Serial Bank Robber Pleads Guilty
James Valentine Siehien, a 53-year-old resident of Tucson, Arizona, has recently pleaded guilty to the charges of bank robbery and armed bank robbery. The guilty plea came as a result of multiple incidents where Siehien targeted different banks in Tucson, causing distress and fear among bank employees, customers, and the general public.
Details of the Case
The case against James Valentine Siehien revolves around a series of bank robberies that took place in Tucson, Arizona. The robberies, conducted between October and November 2021, involved the use of threatening methods, such as the possession of an axe and a fake explosive device. These incidents not only put the lives of bank employees and customers at risk but also caused significant financial losses to the affected banks.
Sentencing Date
The sentencing of James Valentine Siehien is scheduled to take place on May 30, 2023, before United States District Judge Raner C. Collins. This crucial hearing will determine the penalties and consequences that Siehien will face for his criminal activities.
Bank Robbery Charges
One Count of Bank Robbery
James Valentine Siehien has been charged with one count of bank robbery. This charge stems from his involvement in a robbery that occurred on October 21, 2021, at a Chase Bank located in Tucson, Arizona. Siehien admitted to robbing approximately $4,000 from this bank during the incident.
Two Counts of Armed Bank Robbery
In addition to the count of traditional bank robbery, Siehien has also been charged with two counts of armed bank robbery. These charges are a result of two separate incidents that took place on October 26, 2021, at a PNC Bank and on November 5, 2021, at a First Convenience Bank, both located in Tucson, Arizona. During these robberies, Siehien used a fake explosive device and was in possession of an axe. The total amount stolen from both incidents is approximately $4,900.
Maximum Penalties
For the charge of bank robbery, James Valentine Siehien faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The charges of armed bank robbery carry an even harsher punishment, with a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. The severity of these penalties reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and aims to deter future bank robberies.
Robbery Incidents
Robbery at Chase Bank
One of the bank robbery incidents involving James Valentine Siehien took place at a Chase Bank in Tucson, Arizona, on October 21, 2021. Siehien admitted to robbing approximately $4,000 from the bank during this incident, causing distress and fear among the bank employees and customers.
Robbery at PNC Bank
Another incident of armed bank robbery occurred on October 26, 2021, at a PNC Bank in Tucson, Arizona. James Valentine Siehien used a fake explosive device during this robbery and stole approximately $2,700 from the bank. This incident further heightened concerns and raised questions about the safety and security measures implemented by banking institutions.
Robbery at First Convenience Bank
The third robbery incident involved James Valentine Siehien targeting a First Convenience Bank in Tucson, Arizona, on November 5, 2021. During this robbery, Siehien was in possession of an axe and managed to steal approximately $2,200 from the bank. These brazen actions highlight the audacity of the serial bank robber and the need for swift justice.
Admissions by the Defendant
Amounts Stolen
James Valentine Siehien has admitted to stealing significant amounts of money during the bank robbery incidents. He confessed to robbing approximately $4,000 from the Chase Bank, $2,700 from the PNC Bank, and $2,200 from the First Convenience Bank. These stolen funds further highlight the financial damage caused by the defendant’s criminal activities.
Use of Fake Explosive Device
During the armed bank robbery at the PNC Bank, James Valentine Siehien employed a fake explosive device to intimidate the bank employees and customers. This admission raises concerns about the safety and security measures in place at these banking institutions and the impact such threats have on the well-being of individuals present during the robberies.
Possession of an Axe
In addition to the fake explosive device used in one of the armed bank robberies, Siehien admitted to being in possession of an axe during the robbery at the First Convenience Bank. This detail showcases the level of threat and violence employed by the defendant, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
Investigation Details
Involvement of FBI and Tucson Police Department
The investigation into the bank robbery incidents involving James Valentine Siehien was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Tucson Police Department. These two law enforcement agencies worked in collaboration to gather evidence, analyze the crime scenes, and identify the suspect.
Prosecution Handling
Assistant United States Attorney Adam Rossi from the District of Arizona, Tucson, is responsible for handling the prosecution of James Valentine Siehien. The significance and complexity of the case demand a thorough and meticulous approach to ensure a fair trial and a just outcome.
Case Information
Case Number
The case against James Valentine Siehien is identified by the case number CR-21-03071-TUC-RCC (LCK). This unique case number enables easy reference and tracking of the proceedings related to the serial bank robber’s charges and sentencing.
Release Number
The release number associated with this case is 2023-040_Siehien. This release number allows for efficient communication and dissemination of relevant information regarding the ongoing developments and updates in the case.
Sentencing and Penalties
Sentencing Information
The sentencing of James Valentine Siehien is scheduled to take place on May 30, 2023, before United States District Judge Raner C. Collins. This crucial hearing will determine the penalties and consequences that Siehien will face for his criminal activities. The severity of the charges and the evidence presented during the trial will heavily influence the judge’s decision.
Maximum Penalties for Bank Robbery and Armed Bank Robbery
For the charge of bank robbery, James Valentine Siehien faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The charges of armed bank robbery carry an even harsher punishment, with a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. The imposition of these maximum penalties is aimed at deterring future criminal activities and ensuring public safety.
Law Enforcement Agencies
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a crucial role in investigating the bank robbery incidents involving James Valentine Siehien. As a federal law enforcement agency, the FBI’s involvement highlights the seriousness and federal nature of the crimes committed. The collaboration between the FBI and local law enforcement agencies ensures a comprehensive approach to criminal investigations and enhances public safety.
USAO – Arizona
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona (USAO-AZ) is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within the state of Arizona. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Rossi, from the District of Arizona in Tucson, is specifically handling the prosecution of James Valentine Siehien. The USAO-AZ’s commitment to seeking justice and ensuring public safety is crucial in cases of this nature.
Contact Information
Contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, please visit their official website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Additionally, for the latest news and updates, you can follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ. For any inquiries or assistance, you can reach out to the Public Affairs Officer, Yvette Cantu, at yvette.cantu@usdoj.gov or contact the office directly at (602) 514-7500.
It is important to note that the dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information is crucial in ensuring transparency, promoting awareness, and maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system.