Rochester, N.Y.- A Syracuse man pleaded guilty Wednesday to robbing five banks over the summer, three in Gates.
U.S. Attorney William Hochul, Jr. says Brandon Rothenburgh, 34, admitted to robbing the First Niagara Bank in Gates on June 18 and August 7, and the Citizens Bank in Gates on July 12. He also admitted to robbing banks in Rome and Auburn.
As part of the plea, Rothenburgh faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he’s sentenced in February.
Authorities say he also agreed to repay a total of $94,393 in restitution, the amount taken from the banks during the robberies and forfeit a Cadillac automobile he bought with the robbery money.
Rothenburgh was arrested in September 2012 along with alleged co-conspirator James Nicholson.
Authorities say the men wore disguises and rubber gloves when they entered the banks. One or the other would then vault over the teller counter and demand cash from the tellers before jumping back over the counter and exiting the bank.
Charges are pending against Nicholson.
