Madison Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Armed Bank Robbery

MADISON, WIS. -- Jeffrey M. Anderson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Justin McBride, 29, Madison, Wis., was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to eight years in federal prison for armed bank robbery.  McBride pleaded guilty to this charge on August 29, 2017.

On February 2, 2017, the Old National Bank in Madison was robbed by a white male wearing a scarf over his face and a stocking hat.  During the robbery, the bank robber stated that he had a gun, was desperate, and willing to use the gun.  The robber showed the bank teller the butt of what appeared to be a black handgun by reaching in his jacket pocket. 

While turning over money to the bank robber, one of the tellers put a dye pack in with the money.  After leaving the bank, the dye pack exploded in the parking lot as the robber fled the scene.  Later that night, during a traffic stop, officers observed red dye on McBride’s hands and clothes. 

McBride also admitted to robbing the Wells Fargo Bank in Middleton, Wis., on January 13, 2017.  This conduct was also considered by Judge Peterson at the sentencing hearing.  During the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson stressed the serious nature of the armed robberies and their significant impact on the victims and the community.

The charge against McBride is the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison and Middleton Police Departments, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard.