Brentwood Man Sentenced To 51 Months In Prison For Bank Robbery

            CONCORD - Michael Holt, 49, of Brentwood, was sentenced in federal court to 51 months in prison for bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 13, 2018, Michael Holt walked into a TD Bank branch in Stratham, New Hampshire, and gave a teller a note claiming to have a gun and demanding money. The teller gave Holt a quantity of United States currency.  On January 19, 2018, Holt entered a People’s United Bank branch in Exeter, New Hampshire, and again gave a teller a note stating that he had a gun and demanding money. He again received a quantity of United States currency. Comparing bank surveillance video of each offense and witness descriptions allowed Stratham and Exeter police to determine that the same person had committed both crimes.  Images from the bank surveillance videos were broadcast on local news outlets and distributed via social media, leading to the identification of Holt, who was apprehended soon after.

            Holt previously pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery on May 10, 2018.          

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that often can jeopardize the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “By working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime, our goal is to ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe in their local communities.”

            “On multiple occasions, Mr. Holt threatened bank tellers with a firearm if they did not comply with his demands for cash,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentencing reflects the FBI’s on-going commitment in working with our law enforcement partners to protect the streets of the Granite State, from any individuals who threaten innocent citizens or commit violent crimes.”

           This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stratham Police Department, and Exeter Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.