A Pittsburgh man, Rashon Coleman, has entered a guilty plea to charges stemming from three separate bank robberies. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, confirmed the news yesterday. The 31-year-old former resident of the East Liberty neighborhood faced his day in court before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In one incident dated April 10, 2023, Coleman, carrying a bag that appeared to hold a gun, threatened a bank teller, demanding $50,000. While the teller complied, she and two others found safety by locking themselves in the bank's rear. After failing to breach the vault, Coleman left the scene as at least five bank employees and numerous customers witnessed the ordeal.
The following day, Coleman was aggressive in a different financial institution, dropping a teller to the ground as an alarm blared. He forced the staff to hand over the money, and upon dissatisfaction with the sum, he threatened further violence for more cash. Before fleeing, he was handed additional money from the vault. He was soon caught by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police while carrying a toy gun and the stolen money.
Granted alternative housing by the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas following the charges for these robberies, Coleman slipped away on May 20, 2023, only to return to his criminal pursuits. He once more shouted demands in the very bank he first robbed, fleeing with over $25,000 before law enforcement apprehended him in a nearby store.
The gravity of Coleman's actions could lead to a 20-year maximum prison sentence and fines reaching $250,000, as the law stipulates. Factors such as the severity of the crimes and Coleman's criminal past, if present, will influence the final sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is representing the government in this case, and the proceedings have included the investigative efforts of both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
