Two Men Plead Guilty to Bank Robbery in Twin Falls

BOISE - Juan Loredo, 22, and Shawn Smith,19, both from Salinas, California, pleaded guilty today to bank robbery by use of dangerous weapons and brandishing of firearms during the commission of a felony offense, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

According to the plea agreement, on November 20, 2014, the defendants robbed the First Federal Bank in Twin Falls, Idaho.  As the men entered the bank, Loredo brandished a sawed-off shotgun, and Smith brandished a semi-automatic pistol at the tellers and manager.  They stole more than $7,000, all of which was recovered by police when the men were arrested after a high-speed vehicle chase, and foot pursuit.

Sentencing is set for June 9, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge.   The men will continue to be held in custody awaiting their sentences.

The charge of bank robbery by use of a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 25 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  In addition to the bank robbery, Juan Loredo faces an additional period of not less than 10 years of incarceration consecutive to any other punishment, and a maximum fine of $250,000 for brandishing the short-barreled shotgun during the crime of violence.  Shawn Smith faces an additional period of not less than seven years consecutive to any other punishment for brandishing the pistol during the crime of violence.

“Those who use firearms to commit violent crimes will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted,” said Olson.

The men were apprehended by, and the case was investigated by, the Twin Falls Police Department.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms assisted in the investigation and prosecution of these offenses.