American Falls bank robber will serve up to 35 years in prison

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Story Published: May 14, 2009 at 4:51 PM MST

Story Updated: May 14, 2009 at 5:24 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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AMERICAN FALLS - The man who robbed US Bank in American Falls last Summer could be in prison for the next 35 years.

Before hearing his sentence Armando Reyna, also known as Armando Mason, read a statement to the court apologizing for his actions. Armando Reyna, defendant said, "I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart. My actions were selfish and careless. As I sit here in my cell reading letters and reports that people wrote I feel so small and crappy inside."

But sorry or not, Reyna will spend up to 35 years in prison for robbing a US Bank in American Falls last June. Reyna said, "I hope, one day, the people involved can forgive me for taking what I have taken from them."

Judge Peter McDermott is also requiring that he repay more than $7,700 as restitution. McDermott said, "It takes a certain type of person to do that."

Reyna plead guilty to charges of robbery, grand theft, aggravated assault, and a firearm enhancement in March.

And though he willingly turned himself into authorities, Prosecutor Randy Kline asked the judge for a longer sentence calling Reyna's actions "horrific to the community." Randy Kline, Power County Prosecutor said, "A thief is a thief, and he chose the easy way out instead of dealing with things the way we can in our society."

Reyna claims he robbed the bank because he was working two jobs, and having a hard time making ends meet. "I would like the chance to prove to myself, and to the court, and to the community of American Falls, and my family that I can change," said Reyna.

About a month after Reyna robbed the US Bank in American Falls he struck a bank in Burley.

In February, he was sentenced to a possible 30 years in prison for that robbery along with $13,000 of restitution.

In total he could be behind bars for the next 65 years and needs to repay about $20,000.

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