James Valentine Siehien, 53, of Tucson, Arizona, pleaded guilty last week to one count of Bank Robbery and two counts of Armed Bank Robbery. Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2023, before United States District Judge Raner C. Collins.

Siehien admitted that, on October 21, 2021, he robbed approximately $4,000 from a Chase Bank located in Tucson, Arizona. He also admitted that five days later, he robbed approximately $2,700 from a PNC Bank in Tucson, with what was later determined to be a fake explosive device. Finally, Siehien admitted that, on November 5, 2021, he robbed approximately $2,200 from a First Convenience Bank in Tucson, while possessing an axe.

A conviction for Bank Robbery carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. A conviction for Armed Bank Robbery carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tucson Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Rossi, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.