Garfield Heights man sentenced to 11 years in prison for pointing a gun at the head of a teller during bank robbery

A Garfield Heights man was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for using a firearm to rob the Key Bank on Turney Road, said Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Levert A. Bates, 54, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison He previously pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Bates and Marc A. Montgomery robbed a Key Bank in Garfield Heights on November 30, 2016. robbers stole approximately $55,376 from the bank and pointed a gun at the head of a teller during the robbery, according to court documents and statements.

“The defendant’s actions put people’s lives in danger and traumatized the victims,” Herdman said. “Sending this defendant back to prison helps make our commuity safer.”

"The actions of these two individuals brought great fear to the bank employees and customers that day,” Anthony said. “Law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to identify individuals that choose to commit such violent actions and ensure they are held accountable.”

Montgomery was previously convicted for his role in the robbery and is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 28.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan R. Miller is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Garfield Heights Police Department.