Bank Robber Pleads Guilty

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that George Djura Jakubec, 54, pled guilty today in federal court in San Diego before the Honorable Larry A. Burns to two counts of carrying a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence, that is, the November 13, 2009 robbery of the Bank of America, located at 1190 East Ocean Air Drive, San Diego, California, and the November 27, 2009 attempted robbery of the same bank branch – charges that carry a mandatory-minimum sentence of thirty (30) years' imprisonment.

Jakubec was arrested by law enforcement on November 18, 2010, after a gardener performing yard work at his residence was injured by an accidental explosion of highly volatile explosive material in Jakubec's backyard. On December 2, 2010, a federal indictment was handed up charging Jakubec with eight counts relating to the unlawful manufacture and possession of destructive devices at his Escondido, California residence, the robbery or attempted robbery of four San Diego County banks, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to two of those bank robberies.

As part of his guilty plea, Jakubec admitted that he manufactured and possessed the explosives and explosive devices found at his Escondido residence, robbed or attempted to rob four San Diego County Bank of America branches, and carried firearms in furtherance of two of those bank robberies. Specifically, Jakubec admitted that from a date unknown to on or about November 18, 2010, he illegally manufactured and possessed certain high explosives at his residence in San Marcos, California, including significant quantities of Hexamethylene Tiperoxide Diamine (HMTD), Pentaerythitol Tetranitrate (PETN), and Erythritol Tetranitrate (ETN). Jakubec further admitted that on or before November 18, 2010, he illegally manufactured and possessed at least twenty-two (22) destructive devices, including nine detonators, thirteen grenade hulls and significant quantities of high explosives. With respect to the bank robberies, Jakubec not only admitted to the robbery and attempted robbery of the East Ocean Air Drive Bank of America Branch, for which he obtained $43,012, but also admitted to the June 25, 2010, robbery of the Bank of America branch at 9460 Scranton Road, San Diego, California, and the July 17, 2010, robbery of the Bank of America branch located at 11855 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, California, in which he obtained an additional $11,880. In each of these bank robberies, Jakubec admitted that he obtained the money by threatening the bank tellers. Jakubec admitted that he carried a loaded firearm during and in relation to the robbery and attempted robbery of the East Ocean Air Drive Bank of America branch, and that he intended to use the firearm he carried on those occasions to intimidate bank employees, if necessary.

As a result of his guilty plea and admissions, Jakubec also agreed to pay restitution to the victim of the explosion on his property, adjacent property owners, Bank of America and the County of San Diego. The plea agreement specifically provides that the restitution to the County is $541,000 and the restitution to Bank of America totals $54,892.

Jakubec is scheduled to appear before Judge Burns for sentencing on June 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.

United States Attorney Duffy said, "Jakubec's guilty plea to charges involving a thirty-year mandatory- minimum sentence serves as a reminder that there are very severe consequences for those who commit crimes of violence that threaten the safety of this community." U.S. Attorney Duffy also praised the coordinated effort and dedication of all of the state, local and federal law enforcement partners who were involved in the investigation of Jakubec and responded to the incident: "Due to the rapid response and tireless work of these agencies, explosives that posed an immediate threat to the safety of our community were removed from our streets, and the individual responsible for the manufacture of those explosives and other acts of violence is being held accountable for his conduct."

"Jakubec will be held accountable for his actions and for placing the community of Escondido at risk," said John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge ATF Los Angeles. "Every agency involved in this investigation worked together to ensure that Jakubec does not place anyone else in danger now or in the future."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter commented, "Mr. Jakubec's guilty plea to these charges is appropriate. The number of lives that were in danger because of his manufacturing and possession of explosives was extremely concerning and as members of this community we are fortunate that there was no loss of life because of his poor judgment. The quick resolution of this investigation is a testament to the positive and cooperative relationship between the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in this County and we will all continue to band together to thwart this type of criminal activity."

"We're pleased with the plea and believe this is a satisfactory resolution," commented Sheriff Bill Gore. "This situation potentially posed a significant threat to public safety and we are glad this chapter is closed."

DEFENDANT

Case Number: 10cr4848LAB

George Djura Jakubec  Age: 54 In custody

CHARGES

Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) and (C)(ii) - Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego County Sheriff's Department

OTHER INVESTIGATING AGENCIES/FIRST RESPONDERS

Office of the San Diego County District Attorney

San Diego Fire Department, Bomb Squad

San Diego County Hazardous Materials

San Diego County Office of Emergency Services

Escondido Fire Department

San Marcos Fire Department

Escondido Police Department

California Highway Patrol

Office of Public Health, Health and Human Services Agency, County of San Diego