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Press Release

Apopka Man Convicted Of Armed Bank Robbery

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Dale Matthews Clar (46, Apopka) guilty of two counts of bank robbery with assault and two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Clar faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison for the bank robbery convictions, followed by a mandatory minimum consecutive penalty of 32 years’ imprisonment on the firearms offenses. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2013.

Clar was indicted on September 25, 2013.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on January 4, 2013, April 3, 2013, and September 6, 2013, Clar robbed the Chase Bank in Apopka, at gunpoint.  He stole a total of approximately $18,000 during the three robberies. During each robbery, Clar rushed into the bank wearing a full ski mask.  He pointed his gun at bank employees and customers and demanded cash from the tellers.  When Clar fled the bank, he covered his license plate to avoid being caught.

On September 6, 2013, he covered his license plate with a temporary registration tag associated with his vehicle. He also attempted to further avoid suspicion, by placing a Domino’s Pizza delivery sign on the top of his car. Police located Clar and arrested him near his home. A subsequent search of Clar’s vehicle revealed Clar’s disguise, a Glock 9mm handgun, and thousands of dollars in cash that he had just stolen from the bank.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Apopka Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Schuster.

Updated January 26, 2015