JASPER BANK ROBBER SENTENCED

    BIRMINGHAM, AL - JASON MITCHELL BATES, 25, of Jasper, was sentenced by United States District Judge U.W. Clemon to 57 months in prison for bank robbery.  United States Attorney Alice H. Martin and Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation announce the sentencing today.

            BATES, was also given three (3) years supervised release after the prison term is served and ordered to pay restitution of $36,547 to the bank.  He was convicted on these charges on July 30, 2008.

            According to the charges, on August 2, 2007, BATES entered the Wachovia Bank in Jasper wearing a ski mask and gloves.  He pointed a gun at the tellers and took $36,547.  The gun was later found to be a pellet gun.  BATES ran from the bank and was driven away from the scene by William Brandon Aaron.  As they drove away, a dye bomb placed with the money exploded spraying red dye inside the car.  BATES threw the ski mask and gloves from the car as they drove away and those items were recovered and used by the investigators.  Aaron was convicted separately and is serving a 46 month sentence for acting as the get-away car driver.

            “BATES was connected to this crime through forensic evidence and the testimony of others involved,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.  “We hope this not only sends a message to would-be bank robbers, but also the people who may assist those robbing a bank.” 

      Special Agents of the FBI and Walker County Sheriff’s Deputies worked together on this case.   Assistant United States Attorney Michael W. Whisonant prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.