Pointing Gun At Teller's Head Gets Garfield Heights Man 11 Years In Prison

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OH — A Garfield Heights man that pointed a gun at a bank teller's head has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Levert Bates, 54, used a firearm to rob the Key Bank on Turney Road in November, law enforcement says.

Bates was sentenced Tuesday to 135 months in prison in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm.

Bates and his partner robbed the bank on Nov. 30, 2016. The duo got away with about $55,376. During the robbery, Bates pointed a gun at the head of a teller. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Solon newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

“The defendant’s actions put people’s lives in danger and traumatized the victims,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said in a statement. “Sending this defendant back to prison helps make our community safer.”

Bates' partner Marc Montgomery was convicted for his part in the robbery and set to be sentenced on Aug. 28. The FBI and Garfield Heights Police Department led the investigation into the robbery.

"The actions of these two individuals brought great fear to the bank employees and customers that day,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said. “Law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to identify individuals that choose to commit such violent actions and ensure they are held accountable.”

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