Bank Teller Suspected In Torrance Robbery

TORRANCE, CA – A couple was arrested for their alleged involvement in the robbery of a Torrance bank where the woman worked as a teller, authorities said Wednesday. The crime occurred about 3 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Opus Bank at 23600 Hawthorne Blvd., said Torrance Police Sgt. Ronald Harris.

Chandler Leniu and Marlene Wickham, both 21 and from Long Beach, were arrested on Oct. 6, and were released on bail, Harris said. Leniu "passed a note to the bank teller demanding money" and he fled with thousands of dollars, Harris said.

"Opus Bank investigators and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation partnered with Torrance police detectives to solve the case," Harris said.

"Through this collaboration, it was determined that the teller was actually an accomplice – specifically the suspect's girlfriend," Harris said.

Some of the stolen money was recovered, Harris said.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock