Villa Gets 132 Years for Armed Bank Heists

PHOENIX, AZ – Jaime Villa, 45, of Maricopa, Arizona, will spend the rest of his life behind bars. U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake yesterday handed down a sentence exceeding 132 years in prison for a string of brazen armed bank robberies that terrorized the Phoenix metro area. The verdict, delivered after a federal jury found Villa guilty on December 7, 2016, brings a grim close to a six-year crime spree.

The robberies, dating back to 2010, were characterized by Villa’s ruthless tactic of brandishing a firearm at bank tellers. Each heist left employees shaken and the public on edge. Villa’s reign of terror finally ended on August 24, 2015, when the Chandler Police Department caught him fleeing the scene of his latest robbery. But even in capture, Villa remained a threat, discharging his firearm at two uniformed Chandler Police officers during the pursuit – a reckless act that significantly contributed to the severity of his sentence.

Federal law dictated a harsh penalty. Due to the six accompanying charges of using a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, Villa faced a mandatory-minimum sentence of at least 132 years. The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gayle L. Helart and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Day, successfully argued for the maximum allowable term, ensuring Villa will likely die in prison. This isn’t just about stolen money; it’s about the fear he instilled and the danger he posed.

The investigation was a multi-agency effort, showcasing the dedication of law enforcement across the Valley. The Chandler Police Department took the lead, but received crucial support from the Mesa Police Department, Tempe Police Department, Apache Junction Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix Police Department, Scottsdale Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Bank Robbery Task Force. It was a coordinated response that finally brought this dangerous criminal to justice.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement and bank employees every day. While the financial losses from the robberies are significant, the potential for violence was far greater. The lengthy sentence handed down to Villa sends a clear message: armed robbery will not be tolerated, and those who endanger the lives of others will face the full force of the law.

Case Number: CR-2:15-01149-NVW. Release Number: 2017-051_ Villa. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow them on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.