A U.S. District Court judge sentenced a Grand Rapids man to 42 months in prison for robbing the Lake Michigan Credit Union.
In a July 6 U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Michigan press release, the Department of Justice announced that U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou sentenced James Paul Sciamanna, 49, three and a half years in prison with three years of supervised release after his prison term ends.
Sciamanna must also pay a $1,250 fine and pay back the lost funds, according to the release.
A 42-year-old Grand Rapids, Michigan, man was recently sentenced to 42 months in prison for robbery.
| Falkenpost/Pixabay
“Robbers of banks and credit unions threaten vital community institutions and inflict trauma on the tellers and other employees who experience these ordeals,” U.S. Attorney, Mark Totten, said in the release. “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers and members of my team who apprehended and successfully prosecuted Mr. Sciamanna. My office will hold robbers accountable and will never lose sight of the individuals victimized by crime.”
Sciamanna robbed the Lake Michigan Credit Union in Walker, Michigan, Jan. 4, the release stated. He entered the branch wearing a knit hat, wig, and mask, handing the teller a note that said he had a loaded firearm that he would use if he did not get his money. The teller complied.
James Tarasca, a special agent heading up the FBI in Michigan, said Sciamanna threatened a teller’s life, leaving her traumatized and unable to feel safe at work, according to the release.
The FBI will continue to work with local law enforcement to ensure violent offenders are convicted, making communities safer for everyone, Tarasca said.
