U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Robert Frascella (55, Bradenton) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for bank robbery. The court also ordered Frascella to forfeit $5,000, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. Frascella had pleaded guilty on December 12, 2022.

According to court documents, on August 8, 2022, Frascella entered a bank in Parrish and asked to complete a $10,000 wire transfer. When he was advised that he didn’t have sufficient funds for the transfer, he left the bank. A short time later he returned to the bank, pulled a box from his backpack, and placed it on the ground of the lobby floor. Frascella indicated it was an explosive device and demanded money.  He left the bank with $5,000, the only money the teller had available. As a result of the bomb threat, the bank employees and customers were evacuated from the building. Law enforcement and a bomb squad determined that the box did not contain an explosive device. Frascella was identified and arrested later that day.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Sarasota division, and the Manatee County Sheriffs’ Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.

Original source can be found here.