Denver has seen a conclusion to a spate of bank robberies with the sentencing of two local men. Mitchell Leland Baca, 33, and Jaki Ravion Joseph Martin-Birch, 28, have been handed down hefty prison sentences for their involvement in several violent thefts. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Baca will serve 224 months while Martin-Birch received 170 months.
The duo had wielded firearms and terrorized bank employees during a month-long crime spree across Denver and Aurora. Court documents revealed that between June 14 and July 24 of 2023, they executed five bank robberies, absconding with thousands of dollars each time. Each man pled guilty to multiple counts involving robbery and the possession of a firearm in association with a violent crime. Their capture and subsequent prosecution were the result of coordinated efforts by local and federal law enforcement.
Acting United States Attorney Matt Kirsch was clear about the stance on such felonies, stating, "Bank robberies are violent, brazen crimes that we will not tolerate." Kirsch emphasized deterrence, saying, "These sentences should send a message to other potential bank robbers that they will be caught and prosecuted," as obtained by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The investigation was a joint endeavor, with the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force taking point, supported by the Denver Police Department. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek commented on the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting that together, the defendants are responsible for at least five bank robberies involving handguns across the metro area. He praised the task force for its effectiveness in handling such complex, cross-jurisdictional crime.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing violence and promoting safer communities. With an emphasis on community trust, the renewed PSN strategy, launched in May 2021, also includes backing community-based organizations for preventive action against violence, establishing strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcome effectiveness. These sentences mark another milestone for the federal program in its battle against violent crime and gun violence.
