Man from Oklahoma faces federal bank robbery charge

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Randy Matthew Peraza, 47, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma appeared in federal court in Roswell, New Mexico today for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with bank robbery.

            According to the criminal complaint, Peraza allegedly robbed a bank in Roswell on Mar. 13.  He allegedly went inside the bank, announced the robbery, and demanded money.  A teller handed over cash.  Peraza allegedly left the bank, walked across the street, and sat in the grass where police arrested him a short time later.  There were no injuries.

            Peraza is currently in custody awaiting a detention hearing.  He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.  A criminal complaint is only an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

            The FBI investigated this case with the Roswell Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Wishard is prosecuting the case.