Feds charge man with robbing Erie bank twice

This article was originally published on GoErie.com by Tin Hahn on January 17, 2019

Federal authorities charge that an Erie man disguised himself with a light blue hard hat and what appeared to be dreadlocks when he robbed a westside bank branch of cash twice within five weeks.

Ronald Lomax Jr., 30, of Erie, was charged in federal court in Erie on Thursday with bank robbery for each of the two robberies and possession of a firearm by an individual convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year in the second robbery. Lomax is a convicted sex offender, according to court records.

Lomax faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison and $750,000 in fines on the three charges, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Trabold said in court during Lomax’s initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard A. Lanzillo in U.S. District Court in Erie on Thursday afternoon.

Lanzillo scheduled Lomax’s preliminary hearing and detention hearing for Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Lomax admitted to robbing the Northwest Bank branch at 3407 Liberty St. on Nov. 21 and on Dec. 28 and said that he had last worked around Halloween and “needed money to pay bills and for living expenses,” according to the criminal complaint the FBI filed against Lomax in federal court shortly before 1:25 p.m. on Thursday.

The complaint said Lomax stole $5,000 in the first robbery and $6,100 in the second. The complaint provides no details as to why the FBI suspected Lomax, but the complaint said agents on Tuesday got a search warrant for Lomax’s residence in the 500 block of West 16th Street.

Erie Bureau of Police detectives initially worked the robbery investigation and were working jointly with federal authorities before the charges were filed on Thursday.

Federal search warrants were served on Lomax’s residence and on his vehicle on Thursday morning. During the search of Lomax’s Ford Taurus, a black Hi-Point pistol was found under the driver’s seat. Lomax admitted during questioning by the FBI that he used the pistol during the Dec. 28 robbery and he acknowledged that he should not be in possession of a firearm because he was on parole, according to the complaint.

Read Full Article >>

« Return to News Archive

Free Case Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

Reviews

John

I was charged with theft by extortion, a 3rd degree felony which carries a possible sentence of 7 years in prison and 15,000 in fines. Against my better judgement, I took the advice of Stephen and pled guilty for a reduced sentence. Because I listened to his expert advice, I will serve NO prison time, NO jail time, and my fine was minimal. Thanks again Stephen for a tough uphill battle, and you never gave up.

Michael

Attorney Sebald represented me in 2005 for a DUI. So when I was facing legal problems again in 2015 for getting 3 DUI's in a 5 month period due to an addiction to alcohol I knew I needed him to represent me again. Mr. Sebald truly cares about his clients. I met with him we discussed my case and what I was facing. He guided me on what I should do. He doesn't sugar coat things. Mr. Sebald is honest with you from the beginning and will do everything he can to get the best possible outcome. I was facing some pretty serious consequences and through his advice, guidance and representation I not only was able to avoid Jail time but also get help for my problem with alcohol. I truly believe if it weren't for him I would not be where I am today. After hiring Attorney Sebald he traveled to Lycoming county to represent me for my preliminary hearing and sentencing. He called and spoke with the D.A., judges as well as other attorneys in that area. He also represented me here in Erie county for my preliminary hearing as well as sentencing. He does his research. I would strongly recommend Mr Sebald to anyone who needs legal representation.

Matthew

Stephen is a very knowledgeable lawyer! I got a DUI with a BAC of 2.16 and walked away with only 6 months probation and didn't lose my license! I can't thank this man enough! Thank you Stephen for all the hard work you put into my case!

Michael

Anonymous

I am more than pleased with my experience with attorney Hackwelder. He is knowledgeable and got us a great result. I would highly recommend hiring Attorney Hackwelder.

Jeffrey

I hired Eric for someone who was facing serious felony charges. He is a fairly young man with a young child who he absolutely adores. He had made mistakes and I didn't feel he needed to go to jail and be separated from that child. Eric was extremely helpful and actually, you could tell that he took this case personally because of all of the time and effort he put into the case. He was always available to us and his family. When it came time for the sentencing we all thought he was going to jail. When the judge sentenced him to 3 years parole we were all extremely happy. I can not say enough good things to say about Eric.

Sonia

We were extremely satisfied with Attorney Sebald and Attorney Hackwelder. Highly recommend. You want that piece of mind when you get into legal trouble call these guys. You won't be disappointed.

Diane

Erie, PA, Traffic Violation Defense

I received a speeding ticket while traveling through Erie, PA. Steve and his expert team took care of everything while I was 600 miles away in North Carolina. He greatly reduced my conviction and fines. Valerie on his team took the time to hand-hold me through the process. I truly appreciate all that Steve and his team did to resolve this positively for me.

Tom

Attorney Sebald did a great job handling my case. I was cited improperly for a traffic accident, and Steve and his partner were able to resolve the situation quickly and with great professionalism.

Tim

I was in a rough spot and Attorney Sebald exceeded my expectations while being fair and upfront about the possible outcomes. I was impressed by his knowledge and navigation of the law, but also by his relationships within that community.