Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Southside Armed Bank Robbery Spree

PITTSBUGRH, PA. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal robbery laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Thomas Hetrick, age 50, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hetrick, while armed with either a knife or a gun, robbed the Dollar Bank, located at 1712 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA, on August 21, 2017; the First Commonwealth Bank, located at 2501 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA, on August 24, 2017 and again on August 30, 2017; and the First Commonwealth Bank, located at 500 East Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, on September 25, 2017. Hetrick also attempted to rob, while armed with a knife, the same First Commonwealth Bank, located at 2501 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA, on September 25, 2017.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 26, 2018. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Hetrick remain in custody.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Homestead Police Department, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas Hetrick.