Vandergrift man pleads guilty in federal court to robbing Apollo Trust Bank last July
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A Vandergrift man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to robbing the Apollo Trust Bank last July.
Bradley Mondi, 35, was accused of using “intimidation” to rob the tellers of $6,666 when he walked into the bank in North Apollo at around 2 p.m. on July 12, 2021, and pulled out a large red bag from under his sweatshirt, according to a criminal complaint.
Mondi told bank tellers to give him “all the money — no dye packs or bait money,” the complaint said.
Investigators said three tellers at the bank at 2113 River Road complied with Mondi’s demands and handed over the cash before Mondi fled on foot.
Bank employees said Mondi did not display a gun or hand over a robbery note.
Mondi fled the bank along River Road toward North Vandergrift, where he was spotted by Apollo police officer Ron Baustert.
Baustert drew his weapon and ordered Mondi to the ground. But police said Mondi fled on foot toward Gravel Bar Road.
Construction workers near the scene told police they saw Mondi flee behind Niki’s Quick Six on River Road in Parks Township.
Mondi was taken into custody behind the business without incident, and the stolen money was recovered, investigators said.
Authorities said bank employees mingled “bait” money among the stolen cash. Bait money is a security feature that utilizes sequentially numbered bills with known serial numbers that can be used to trace stolen money.
Mondi will remain in custody until his sentencing, which is scheduled before Judge William S. Stickman IV on Nov. 14. He could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung said the investigation that resulted in Mondi’s prosecution was handled jointly by the FBI and the Apollo and Kiski Township police departments.