Three Federally Charged In Credit Union Robbery Involving Fake Bomb
By CU Today Staff —
SALT LAKE CITY — Three Utah residents have been federally charged in connection with the robbery of an America First Credit Union branch in which the robber allegedly threatened a teller with what appeared to be an explosive device, according to ABC4.
Thomas Domingo Bustos, 31, of Layton; Brelyn Sanchez, 37, of Ogden; and Fidel Ybarra, 32, of Riverdale, have been charged in the Sept. 4 robbery of the credit union in South Salt Lake. ABC4 reported a male suspect handed a teller a note claiming he had an explosive device in his backpack and then displayed what appeared to be an improvised explosive device.
The teller, fearing the device could be activated, handed over $1,234, according to the report. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the robber fleeing in a red Dodge Durango driven by a woman, while investigators also linked a red BMW registered to Bustos to the robbery.
ABC4, citing court documents, reported investigators identified Sanchez as the alleged driver. Sanchez told investigators she dropped Ybarra near the credit union and knew those involved were engaged in criminal activity, although she said she believed Ybarra was collecting money from a woman who owed him.
“Brelyn indicated she knew they were involved in criminal activity. A few minutes later, the suspect came running back to the Durango and jumped in the passenger side seat and told her to drive away,” court documents state.
Bustos initially denied knowing about the robbery but acknowledged knowing those involved after investigators confronted him with cellular-location evidence, ABC4 reported. Ybarra later told investigators he was being held responsible for a $19,000 casino loss in Wendover and alleged Bustos had threatened him and his family.
Originally reported by CU Today.