Pittsburgh Resident Admits Robbing Key Bank in Downtown in February 2018

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

Darryl Leon Wilson, 61, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Wilson robbed a Key Bank.

The Court was further advised that on February 22, 2018, Wilson entered the Key Bank wearing a purple hat and scarf covering most of the defendant’s face. When the teller requested that the defendant remove the scarf and hat, the defendant stated, "If I don’t get out of here fast, someone will get hurt." The defendant then placed a note on the counter which read, "Someone will get shot if you don’t give the 100’s 50’s 20’s and 10’s, No dye packs, smile and move fast Sorry." The teller gave the defendant lose $20 and $5 bills for a total of $540.

Utilizing surveillance video from surrounding businesses, including the Warner Center, taken before, during and after the bank robbery, officers identified the defendant. When they went to the defendant’s house on March 2, 2018, Wilson answered the door with hands up and stated, "I did it." After officers identified themselves, Wilson stated, "I know why you’re here, I robbed the bank."

Wilson admitted robbing the bank, and admitted giving the teller a note that demanded money. After receiving the money, the defendant walked from the bank and discarded the scarf, knit cap and skirt. The defendant then walked through Downtown Pittsburgh and into the Warner Center before catching a bus. The defendant advised the money was used to pay back borrowed money and to purchase a cellphone. When the defendant was arrested, the defendant was wearing the same tennis shoes worn when the bank was robbed.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Wilson remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wilson.