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Press Release

Bank Robber Pleads Guilty

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan

December 2021 Robbery of Independent Bank in Grand Rapids

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Kristin Cole Greinke, 41, of Grand Rapids, pleaded guilty to robbing Independent Bank located at 3090 Plainfield Avenue, N.E. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced today.

          “Bank robbery doesn’t pay,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. He continued, “Greinke faces up to 20 years in prison for his offense. We will continue to hold accountable anyone who commits this or similar crimes.”

          On December 16, 2021, Greinke took a taxicab to Independent Bank.  He went into the bank and presented a demand note that stated, “This is a robbery money in the bag no bait bills or dye packs or I’ll come back and kill you all 100 on the side.”  The teller gave Greinke $6,230 and Greinke left the bank and witnesses saw him get in the taxi.  The police contacted the taxicab company and reached the driver through dispatch.  The driver made an excuse to stop and Greinke got out but was quickly arrested by responding officers.  All of the money was recovered.  

          Greinke pleaded guilty to the bank robbery charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Hala Y. Jarbou, U.S. District Judge, on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, including that Greinke was previously convicted of bank robbery in federal court in 2003.  

          The Grand Rapids Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Department, and FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Mekaru is prosecuting the case.

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Updated September 22, 2022

Topic
Violent Crime