On Wednesday, 43-year-old Terry Meach was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for a series of bank robberies. With a history of similar crimes, Meach pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery. His crimes occurred this year, shortly after his release from a previous prison term. According to U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida press release, on February 23, Meach robbed a Truist Bank in Hollywood, stealing $2,419.
Court documents reveal that shortly after, Meach attempted to rob a Fifth Third Bank in Fort Lauderdale but failed when the teller backed away after he claimed to have a bomb. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey O’Neal, Meach's escape was brief, as he entered another Truist Bank about 100 yards away and successfully stole $2,379 after leaving the previous scene empty-handed.
Meach's criminal background includes previous convictions for a number of bank robberies dating back to 2012. The FBI Miami Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri, conducted the investigation into Meach's crimes. Released from prison just about two weeks ago, the temptation, or perhaps desperation, drove Meach to commit the first robbery in the current case on February 9.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe, for the Southern District of Florida, made the announcement of Meach's sentence. Sourced from court records available online, Meach had served sentences for robbing a TD Bank in Fort Lauderdale and an attempt at a Suntrust Bank in Miami back in April 2012, leading to a previous 54-month term. Sent back to federal prison in November 2016 for subsequent robberies, his history seems indicative of a pattern that correlates closely with his releases from custody.
Public records and updates on the case can be found at the office's website or the District Court for the Southern District of Florida under case number 24-cr-60100. The press release also cites FBI Miami’s involvement in the case, finding information and court documents pertinent to Meach's convictions and sentencing.
