HARRISBURG – In a stunning turn of events, Derek Pelker, the 27-year-old Wernersville bank bandit, has entered a guilty plea for a string of armed bank robberies that terrorized York, Lebanon, and Berks counties in Pennsylvania.
Pelker, who was arraigned on May 8, 2017, before United States District Judge John E. Jones, III, confessed to the April 24, 2015, BB&T Bank heist in East Prospect; the May 19, 2015, National Penn Bank caper in Oley; and the M&T Bank atrocity on April 5, 2016, in Lebanon.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Pelker is poised to face a 25-year sentence, as outlined in a plea agreement that also includes potential fines of up to $1,250,000. This guilty plea wraps up the case after seven other defendants had already admitted their roles in the bank heists.
The robbers’ ranks included Pelker’s uncle, William Papoutsis, who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice; and two Lebanon locals, Kelsie Bair and Lindsey School, who disposed of the weapon used in one of the robberies. Ryan Miller, also known as ‘Otis,’ Keith Pelker, Shannon Gadzouris, and Andrew Ishman all entered their guilty pleas for various roles in the robberies.
This investigation was a collaborative effort by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Capital City Violent Crimes Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, South Lebanon Township Police Department, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and local District Attorney’s Offices. The Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (VCRP) played a pivotal role in bringing this case to closure.
Following the guilty plea, Pelker will await sentencing, which is contingent upon consideration of federal sentencing statutes, guidelines, and various factors that include the nature and circumstances of the crime, the defendant’s history, and public safety concerns.
Related Federal Cases
- Republic First Bank Collapses: Fulton Bank Swoops In · Iowa
- Altoona First Savings Bank CEO Troy Campbell Named to FDIC Advisory Committee · Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Man Faces 20-Year Sentence for Bank Heist · Pennsylvania
- Philly Thug Dion Jordan Hit With Three Bank Robbery Charges · Pennsylvania
- Pottstown Duo Hit With Armed Bank Robbery Charges · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
