Grand Rapids, Michigan - June 12, 2006 - United States Attorney Margaret M. Chiara announced that Michael Loren Smith, age 42, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced last week to 60 months in prison for the robbery of Bank One (now Chase Bank) in Grand Rapids, on October 6, 2005. The Honorable Robert Holmes Bell presided over the sentencing.

Mr. Smith pled guilty on March 1, 2006 to an Indictment which charged him with bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and (f). Mr. Smith was arrested on October 7, 2005, a day after entering the Bank One branch on Ottawa Avenue, handing a demand note to a teller, and taking approximately $2,000 from the bank before fleeing the scene on foot. The deposits of Bank One (now Chase Bank) are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

In addition to the 60-month term of imprisonment, Judge Bell ordered Mr. Smith to make full restitution to Chase Bank in the amount of $2,000.00. Judge Bell also ordered that Mr. Smith serve a three-year period of supervised release following his prison term.

Ms. Chiara expressed her appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for its work in the case. This case was prosecuted on behalf of the United States of America by Assistant United States Attorney Elisa Castrolugo.