Harlingen Bank Robber Heads to Prison

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 34-year-old Harlingen man has been ordered to federal prison for his role in the robbery of a Bank of America in Harlingen on May 26, 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Adrian Paul Ross pleaded guilty Nov. 29, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen handed Ross a 42-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court considered Ross's mental health history and other characteristics. Ross was further ordered to undergo mental health treatment while incarcerated. At the hearing, Ross acknowledged his criminal conduct and apologized for what he had done.

On Nov. 29, 2017, Ross entered the Bank of America located on Van Buren Street wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. He waited in line, then approached a bank employee and claimed to want to make a deposit. He approached the teller and displayed what was written on his smart phone screen. In all caps Ross had written "EMPTY OUT YOUR DRAWER." The teller then gave Ross the money she had in her possession but also triggered the silent alarm. Ross fled the scene, but was apprehended shortly thereafter.

Ross has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI and Harlingen Police Department conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Corley is prosecuting the case.