ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Andres Manuel Castro Aragon, 29, of Albuquerque, made an initial appearance in federal court today facing a charge of bank robbery. He will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for Jan. 31.
According to a criminal complaint, on Jan. 25, Castro Aragon allegedly entered the First Convenience Bank located inside a Walmart on Coors Boulevard in Albuquerque and presented a demand note to the teller, implying he had a firearm. The teller complied and Castro Aragon allegedly fled with a large amount of cash. After security personnel observed Castro Aragon allegedly crossing I-40 on a pedestrian bridge, Albuquerque police located Castro Aragon, who allegedly had cash protruding from his pockets, and detained him.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting our financial institutions and the people they serve” said Fred Federici, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. “Anyone who believes bank robbery is a quick means to easy money should understand that this is a serious crime with severe consequences. That quick robbery means up to 20 years in prison, and more if a gun is used.”
“Bank robbery is not only a crime against the financial institutions so many of us depend on, it’s a threat to the safety of the employees, general public and law enforcement officers,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “The FBI and our partners are committed to tracking down each and every bank robber and bringing them to justice. We are asking for the public’s help. Take a look at our website – bankrobbers.fbi.gov – and if you have any information, call us immediately at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Together, we can make our community safer.”
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Castro Aragon faces up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Eva M. Fontanez is prosecuting the case.
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