Bradenton Bank Robber Sentenced To Federal Prison: U.S. DOJ

PARRISH, FL — A Bradenton man has been sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison for bank robbery, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Robert Frascella, 55, was also ordered to forfeit $5,000, the traceable proceeds from his offense. He pleaded guilty to the crime on Dec. 12.

He and an accomplice, Thomas Harris – his getaway driver - both faced charges after robbing a Fifth Third Bank at 11215 U.S. 301 N. in Parrish on Aug. 8.

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According to court documents, Frascella entered the bank and asked to complete a $10,000 wire transfer. He left the bank when he was told he didn’t have enough funds for the transfer.

Shortly after this, he returned to the bank and pulled a box from his backpack, placing it on the lobby floor. He indicated it was an explosive device and demanded money, the DOJ said.

Fracella left the bank with $5,000, the only money available to the teller.

Because of the bomb threat, the bank’s employees and customers were evacuated from the building. Law enforcement and a bomb squad determined that the box didn’t have an explosive device, according to the DOJ.

Frascella was identified and arrested later that day.