Springfield, Ill. - A Springfield, Illinois man and woman each entered pleas of guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Byron Cudmore today for their respective roles in the armed bank robbery of Security Bank on January 3, 2008. Robert C. McAllister, 27, of the 200 block of South 11th Street, pled guilty to armed bank robbery. Marisol Benson, 39, of the 1600 block of East Adams Street, pled guilty to aiding and abetting armed bank robbery.

McAllister is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30; Benson has been scheduled for sentencing on June 23, 2008. Both will appear before U.S. District Judge Jeanne E. Scott for sentencing. Each faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 25 years in prison.

McAllister admitted he robbed Security Bank, located in the 300 block of South Grand Avenue West in Springfield, Illinois, of approximately $5,315. Benson pled guilty to aiding the robbery by providing a vehicle and driving McAllister to and from the bank on January 3, 2008.

McAllister and Benson remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The charge is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Springfield Police Department. The Auburn Police Department also assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Chesley.