Sioux Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Great Western Bank Robbery

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Alvione Anthony Jones, age 22, of Sioux Falls, appeared before Chief US District Judge Karen E. Schreier on October 29, 2012, and pled guilty to bank robbery. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years of imprisonment and/or of $250,000 fine.

In June of 2012, the bank manager for the Great Western Bank, located on North Sycamore Avenue in Sioux Falls, arrived at the bank and prepared to open the bank for business. In the parking lot of the bank, Alvione Anthony Jones approached him. After some conversation, Jones displayed what appeared to be a black handgun. He then forced the manager into the bank and directed him to open the bank safe. The safe was opened, and Jones received over $60,000 in various US denominations. Jones then fled the scene. Law enforcement later located Jones in his apartment where they found various items that were used in the robbery. Jones was interviewed and admitted his participation in the robbery of Great Western Bank.

The investigation was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Dennis R. Holmes.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for January 18, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal pending sentencing.