Plea agreements reached in federal bank robbery investigation - East Idaho News
Crime Watch

Plea agreements reached in federal bank robbery investigation

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POCATELLO — Two defendants facing federal charges in the January robbery of a US Bank in Pocatello have reached plea agreements.

Patrina Michelle Morris, 37, of Kent, Washington and Aaron Noble Hernandez, 25, of Ontario, California, were both indicted on federal charges including bank robbery. Both Morris and Hernandez have struck a deal with the local US Attorney’s Office.

Hernandez pleaded guilty to one of the charges he faced – possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He had been convicted of felonies in Calfornia and not allowed to have a gun. According to court documents, during the investigation of the robbery, police found a 9mm handgun which Hernandez claimed as his.

RELATED | Three federally indicted for Pocatello bank robbery

At sentencing, a federal judge could order Hernandez to spend up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.

Morris pleaded guilty to felony bank robbery for taking approximately $4,621 in cash from the US Bank teller. At sentencing, a federal judge could order Morris to spent up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Bank Robbers
Aaron Hernandez, left, Jonathan Brewer and Patrina Morris. | Pocatello Police

According to court documents, detectives say Morris slid a note to a bank teller demanding money from the bank. She ran from the bank before police arrived.

RELATED | Documents detail how alleged bank robbers pulled off heist

Police released an intelligence bulletin regarding the robbery with photos of the suspects and vehicles involved. The following morning, employees at McDonald’s in Chubbuck called 911, saying a vehicle matching the description from the alert was in the parking lot. That is where police found Hernandez and another woman inside the restaurant.

When speaking with police, the woman said she overheard Hernandez say his girlfriend “Trina” and a man named “Trouble” were involved in the robbery, according to court documents.

A third suspect in the case, Jonathon Brewer, 26, of Pocatello is still facing the bank robbery charge and felony possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Court dockets do not list any upcoming hearings for Brewer.

Sentencings for Morris and Hernandez are scheduled for early this fall. They will be ordered to pay restitution for the heist.

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