A Ceres man was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in connection with several bank robberies, including one in Turlock.
Michael Torres, 34, was charged with four counts of armed robbery. According to the Department of Justice, the robberies all took place between May 27, 2010 and May 27, 2011.
Torres is accused of robbing the four banks at gunpoint and making off with more than $115,000.
The indictment listed the four banks and the amounts taken as: U.S. Bank, 3501 Tully Rd., Modesto, approximately $25,000.00, May 27, 2010; Rabobank, 2190 West Monte Vista, Turlock, approximately $31,900, Sept. 23, 2010; Oak Valley Community Bank, 2001 Geer Rd., Turlock, approximately $56,600, Jan. 28; and Farmers & Merchants Bank, 1700 McHenry Ave., Modesto, approximately $1,529.00, May 27.
Torres was apprehended by the Modesto Police Department hours after the Farmers & Merchants Bank was robbed. A surveillance video of the robbery was posted on the MPD's Facebook page and linked to their Twitter account, which generated multiple tips and led to the identification of the suspect.
If convicted, Torres faces a possible sentence of more than 100 years in prison and a $1 million fine. If convicted, the actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations in conjunction with the Turlock and Modesto Police Departments.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.