BUFFALO - A man accused of robbing a Jamestown Savings Bank in October 2010 has pleaded guilty in federal court.
Philip A. Purdue, 33, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to bank robbery. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Robert C. Moscati, the assistant U.S. attorney handling the case, said Purdue robbed two banks in October and November 2010. On Oct. 5, 2010, he and a woman robbed the Jamestown Savings Bank branch, 1 W. Third St., Jamestown. During the robbery, Purdue showed what appeared to be a gun to the teller. On November 22, 2010, Purdue and another man robbed the Fidelity Bank in Kings Mountain, N.C. During that robbery, Purdue pointed a firearm at the teller.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Christopher M. Piehota, special agent in charge, and the Kings Mountain, N.C., Police Department, under the direction of Chief Melvin Proctor.
Sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 7, before Judge Skretny.