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A Gilbert man was sentenced to the federal pen after pleading guilty to robbing a bank in Gilbert last year.
Donald Ray Ludington, 49, got 48 months for the October, 2009 robbery.
Ludington, according to court documents, walked into the bank wearing a backpack and got in line with other costumers.
Once at the front of the line, Ludington placed bag at his feet and passed the bank teller a note that read, “I have a bomb at my feet” and demanded “50s, 20s, and 100s.”
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The teller, prosecutors say, was terrified and gave Ludington the cash before he fled on foot.
As it turns out, Ludington had no bomb and essentially robbed the bank with a backpack and a piece of paper.
According to prosecutors, an anonymous tip led police to Ludington and he was placed under police surveillance.
While keeping an eye on Ludington, prosecutors say police found him “casing” another East Valley bank and took his picture. The picture was shown to employees of the bank Ludington robbed, who identified him as the robber.
Aside from the four years in prison, Ludington was also ordered to pay $5,602 in restitution.
