Three Hollister teenagers have been arrested in connection with
last month’s robbery of Bank of America in Morgan Hill.
Three Hollister teenagers have been arrested in connection with last month’s robbery of Bank of America in Morgan Hill.
Morgan Hill Police detectives received information about the robbery from an anonymous caller to the “Fugitive Watch” hotline, according to Sgt. Jerry Neumayer. The tipster told authorities that he or she could identify the suspects caught on a security video robbing the bank at 101 Vineyard Town Center.
Acting on that information Tuesday, March 10, MHPD detectives visited a residence in Hollister, where they arrested two males they believe participated in the Feb. 5 robbery. Leonel Acosta, 18 of Hollister, was arrested for robbery and conspiracy, and booked into Santa Clara County jail. Also arrested was a 16-year-old whose name police withheld, for robbery, conspiracy, and burglary. The 16-year-old was booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.
Then on Thursday, March 12, Morgan Hill police and the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office went to another Hollister residence and arrested a third suspect, Jose Cervantes, 18 of Hollister. He was booked into Santa Clara County jail for robbery, burglary, and conspiracy, Neumayer said.
Shortly after the robbery, police released photographs of the suspects in the act, taken from Bank of America security cameras. In those photos, the 16-year-old arrested last week was at the counter demanding money from a bank employee while Cervantes stood watch by the main entrance. Acosta and a fourth suspect were waiting in a vehicle that was parked on the street nearby, Neumayer said.
The fourth suspect has been identified as Juan Ceja, 18 of Hollister, according to police.
The bank teller who was approached by the robber told police during their investigation that he handed her a note telling her to give him money. No weapons were seen, but the suspect reached to his side, suggesting he might have had a weapon, and the teller handed him an undisclosed amount of cash money. The two robbers fled, and it was unknown at the time where they were going.
Anyone with more information about this crime may call Morgan Hill Police at (408) 779-4106.
