Two co-defendants accused of robbing a local bank earlier this year were indicted by a Champaign County grand jury on Thursday.
Ryan H. Seibert and Michaela M. Anderson are charged with multiple felony offenses in connection to a robbery at the Security National Bank, 828 Scioto St., on March 5.
Two employees were robbed that morning as they were working with the ATM at that location just before 9 a.m.
Information provided by Urbana police from earlier this year stated the employees were approached by a male wearing a stocking over his face who demanded they turn over a bag they were carrying. While no weapon was shown, the robber indicated to the employees that he was armed.
An employee threw the bag to the ground and the male picked it up and ran.
The two co-defendants were taken into custody at their respective residences on Sept. 23.
Seibert, 22, of 1717 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield, was indicted on two theft charges and one count each of robbery, grand theft, receiving stolen property and a first-degree felony aggravated robbery charge.
Anderson, 19, of 5626 W. U.S. Highway 36, Urbana, was indicted on a first-degree felony aggravated robbery charge and felony robbery, grand theft, receiving stolen property and possessing criminal tools charges. The possessing criminal tools charge also holds a specification for forfeiture of property.
Urbana Police Chief Matt Lingrell stated last Wednesday that police investigators spent hundreds of hours investigating this robbery including Urbana police officers traveling to Florida twice to follow up on investigative leads.
A court statement filed in the Champaign County Municipal Court by Urbana Police Sgt. Ed Burkhammer states an investigation revealed that Seibert was a former teller at the bank who was fired for stealing funds from the bank.
In March 2014, bank officials learned through audits and interviews that Seibert stole $3,208.84 while working there and deposited some of the stolen money into his own account.
After committing the theft on March 5, Seibert retrieved the money bag, which contained $10,000 in $20 bills, and fled on foot to the 700 block of East Court Street where he got into a white 2000 Mercury Sable that was owned and operated by Anderson, his girlfriend.
Anderson fled the scene at a high rate of speed and the vehicle was found abandoned the next morning in Springfield.
Burkhammer states that through investigation, he learned the co-defendants fled the state and took up residence in Florida. The court statement notes the co-defendants used some of the stolen money to pay for housing, purchase video games, a scooter and other items.
During the municipal court proceedings, both co-defendant’s bond was established at $50,000.
