Bank Robber Back in Prison for Escape

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Clairton in Allegheny County and Hermitage in Mercer County has been sentenced in federal court to two years in prison followed by three years of supervision by the United States Probation Office on his conviction of Escape, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Raymond A. Zwibel, age 50.

According to information presented to the court, Zwibel was previously sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for two separate bank robberies. He was released, on July 7, 2020, to the Renewal Center to serve the remainder of that sentence. While at the Renewal Center, the defendant was stopped for several traffic violations and provided a false name. On January 8, 2021, the defendant signed out of the Renewal Center to go to work at his construction job and never returned. A warrant was issued for his arrest and the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Unit immediately began a fugitive investigation. Those efforts resulted in Zwibel’s arrest on February 19, 2021.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab determined that the 24-month sentence was necessary given Zwibel’s long-term drug addiction and his numerous prior convictions.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Marshal Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zwibel.