Bank Robber Pleads Guilty to Brazen Heist

SAN DIEGO – Omar Mata Guerra pleaded guilty today in federal court, admitting that he robbed the Bank of the West branch in La Mesa in May.

Guerra entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Lopez. Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2019 at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia.

Guerra admitted in his plea agreement that on May 10, 2019, he entered the Bank of the West branch located at 8690 Center Drive, La Mesa.  He approached the teller and stated, “Listen don’t do anything stupid, I’ve done this before, stay calm, give me money from your top drawer.”  He told the teller to “keep your hands where I can see them, no alarm, no dye packs.”  As the teller began to gather the available money from the drawer, Guerra insisted “hurry up, go faster.” When the money was placed on the counter, Guerra took  approximately $1,152.40 in cash before fleeing the bank.

Guerra was caught after FBI agents issued a Special Bulletin using the video surveillance stills of the robbery.  These video surveillance stills caught Guerra’s distinctive tattoo under his right eye, which led to his subsequent identification and arrest.

“This bank robber not only took money, he stole the peace of mind of bank employees,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Our law enforcement partners acted swiftly to ensure that this brazen robber was brought to justice and unable to harm others.” Brewer thanked prosecutors Adam Gordon and Matthew Brehm and FBI agents for their hard work on the case.

“The San Diego FBI Violent Crime Task Force works closely with our law enforcement partners to keep our community safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brunner. “As a result, this bank robber is off the streets and will face justice.”

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 19CR2001-AJB                               

Omar Mata Guerra                                          Age: 24                       San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Bank Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

La Mesa Police Department

San Diego Sherriff’s Department