Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Robberies in Grayslake, Crystal Lake

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A 39-year-old Volo woman pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to robbing Chase Bank locations in Crystal Lake and Grayslake and attempting to rob a bank in Johnsburg in March.

Teresa M. Knowles entered guilty pleas to two counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery in connection with the crimes, according to a Federal Bureau of Investigation press release.

According to a written plea agreement, Knowles handed a note over to a teller at the Chase Bank in Crystal Lake on Mach 21, demanding $10,000. The teller first handed Knowles $400. When Knowles said that was not enough money, the teller then handed Knowles another $2,450. Knowles then left the bank and drove away, according to the news release.

On March 24, she again handed a teller a note demanding money at a Chase Bank in Grayslake , according to the plea agreement. The teller handed over $1,000. Knowles again walked out of the bank and drove away.

The same day she drove to a Chase Bank branch in Johnsburg, entered the bank and handed the teller a note. When the teller refused to hand over any money, Knowles walked out of the Chase Bank and drove away, according to the news release.

Each count of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery carries a maximum potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and full restitution.

A sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 4.

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