Cleveland man indicted for his role in three armed bank robberies

A Cleveland man was indicted for his role in three armed bank robberies.

Aaron Nickerson, 22, was indicted on three counts of armed bank robbery and two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

Nickerson was involved with others in the armed robberies of the U.S. Bank on Richmond Road in Warrensville Heights on Jan 18; the Ohio Savings Bank on Richmond Road in Richmond Heights on Feb. 6 and the US Bank on Forest Hills Boulevard in East Cleveland on Feb. 20, according to the indictment.

“This defendant put countless lives at risk when he and his associates used firearms to rob banks,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prioritize violent crime and prosecute those who harm our community.”

“This individual engaged in violent bank robberies that threatened the lives of bank customers, employees, and our citizens,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The Cleveland FBI, in partnership with East Cleveland Police Department, Warrensville Heights Police Department, Richmond Heights Police Department and Euclid Police Department, are committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who commit such dangerous acts.”

This case were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the police departments of Warrensville Heights, Euclid, Richmond Heights and East Cleveland, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Strategies Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.