Shawn Luther Kelley, Bank Robbery, Pennsylvania 2012

In a shocking turn of events, a Hazleton man has been sentenced to 100 months in prison for robbing three financial institutions in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Shawn Luther Kelley, 35, admitted to committing the robberies, which left many in the community shaken.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Kelley appeared in Federal Court in Wilkes-Barre on October 21, 2013, and confessed to robbing the following banks: PNC Bank at 499 Susquehanna Boulevard in Hazle Township, Choice One Community Federal Credit Union at 983 North Sherman Court in Hazleton, and Citizens Bank at 40 West Broad Street in West Hazleton.

The robberies occurred on April 16, 2012, April 20, 2012, and April 24, 2012, respectively. Kelley was arrested shortly after the Citizens Bank robbery on April 24, 2012.

The defense attributed Kelley's robberies to his need to obtain money to sustain a heroin addiction. This tragic tale highlights the devastating consequences of addiction and the importance of seeking help. It is also a reminder that those who commit crimes will be held accountable for their actions.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, Hazleton Police Department, and West Hazleton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

In a statement, Senior United States District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo emphasized the seriousness of Kelley's crimes and the need for accountability. The sentence of 100 months in prison is a stark reminder that bank robbery is a federal offense with severe consequences.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/hazleton-man-sentenced-100-months-prison-robbing-three-banks