Salinas Resident Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For Robbing And Conspiring To Rob Bank

SAN FRANCISCO – Nathan James Garcia, aka “Bones,” was sentenced to 84 months in prison today for robbing and conspiring to rob a bank in Salinas, Calif., announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, United States District Judge. 

Garcia pleaded guilty to the charges on January 24, 2018.  According to the plea agreement, Garcia, 27, of Salinas, admitted that in May of 2012, he conspired with others to rob a bank in Salinas.  In the days leading up to the robbery, Garcia and his coconspirators prepared by casing the bank and rehearsing the robbery.  On May 19, 2012, the robbers entered the bank wearing masks and at least one of the co-conspirators carried and brandished a firearm.  Garcia admitted that he knew at least one of the robbers would be carrying the firearm to threaten, frighten, and intimidate the bank employees.  The robbers absconded with over $13,000. 

A federal grand jury indicted Garcia on May 11, 2017, and charged him with one count each of robbery affecting interstate commerce, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a); armed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2113(a) and (d), and 2; conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2113(a) and (d), and 371; and robbery affecting interstate commerce, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951(a) and (2).  Garcia pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce, and the other two charges were dismissed. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Koh ordered Garcia to pay restitution in the amount of $13,256 and to serve five years of supervised release to begin after his prison term.  Garcia has been in federal custody since his arrest in May of 2017 and will begin serving his sentence immediately.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia A. Quiroz with the assistance of Jessica Meegan.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.