Round Lake, Illinois — A bank robbery attempt in December 2021 led to the arrest and conviction of a local man, laying bare the events of that day. Francisco Martinez, 32, walked into the First Midwest Bank on December 20, 2021, and handed the teller a note demanding $40,000 in 30 seconds while making clear he had no intention of playing games.
To escalate the threat, Martinez lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be the handle of a firearm tucked into his waistband. In a chilling moment, he briefly seized a female customer, threatening to take her hostage as he pressed his demands for cash. Following the teller’s compliance, Martinez fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.
Martinez, a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois, was arrested in June 2022 and has remained in custody since. At the time of the robbery, he was out on court-supervised release after a previous bank robbery conviction. This repeated offense highlighted his continued disregard for the law and the consequences of his actions.
On Monday, a jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago found him guilty of one count of bank robbery. This crime carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in a federal prison. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2025.
The case garnered attention from law enforcement officials, including U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros, who announced the conviction along with FBI Special Agent Douglas S. DePodesta. They emphasized the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies that contributed to the case’s successful prosecution.
Significant assistance was provided by the Round Lake Beach Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation, showcasing the importance of community and inter-agency cooperation in crime resolution. The prosecution included the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jimmy Arce, Adam L. Rosenbloom, and Caitlin S. Walgamuth.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by repeat offenders and the critical nature of law enforcement vigilance in the community.
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