Former Erie Resident Admits Robbing Northwest Bank

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Peter Plaza, Jr., 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about December 13, 2018, Plaza entered the Northwest Bank, 3407 Liberty Street in Erie and by force, violence and intimidation, did take United States currency.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Erie Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Plaza.