Buffalo man pleads guilty to hamburg and kenmore bank robberies

BUFFALO, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Timothy Ernle, 51 of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to bank robbery. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

            According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, the defendant robbed the M&T Bank branch on Delaware Avenue in Kenmore, N.Y. in July 2010. Ernle also robbed the Evans National Bank on South Park Avenue in Hamburg, N.Y. on two separate occasions, also in July 2010. During all three robberies, the defendant disguised himself with a baseball hat, latex gloves and a stocking over his face. Ernle jumped over the teller counters and emptied the drawers.

            The defendant, who is currently serving a state prison sentence for a bank robbery in Niagara County, stole approximately $27,000 during the three robberies.  

            The plea is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota.  

            Sentencing is scheduled for October 18, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara