Bank Robber Sentenced to Serve 60 Months in Federal Prison

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Luis Bernardo Padilla was sentenced today in federal court in San Diego by United States District Court Judge Roger T. Benitez to serve 60 months in custody, based on Padilla’s conviction for bank robbery. In addition to the custodial sentence, Judge Benitez ordered that Padilla serve a three-year term of supervised release following his release from prison and pay $1,195.00 in restitution to the victim bank. Padilla pled guilty on January 22, 2008.

According to court records, on October 28, 2008, Padilla entered the Union Bank of California, 7770 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, California, and demanded money from one of the bank tellers. He handed the teller a demand note that warned the teller, “no ink bombs.” He ordered the teller to give him only $100s and $50s and complained when she failed to produce enough bills. In response to Padilla’s demand, the teller handed him $1,195.00 from the cash drawer. Padilla then fled the bank.

While the bank robbery was occurring, a witness outside the bank took a picture of the car and its license plate before Padilla left the area. The witness provided the photos to law enforcement, who used the pictures to quickly locate Padilla and arrest him.

United States Attorney Hewitt praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the
San Diego Police Department in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. The Court remanded Padilla immediately into custody.

DEFENDANT
Luis Bernardo Padilla

Case Number: 08cr3806BEN

SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) (Bank Robbery)

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Police Department

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