Lombard Man Suspected in Three Bank Robberies is Behind Bars

A Lombard man suspected of committing three Chicago-area bank robberies was arrested Monday, Dec. 10, the FBI announced Wednesday.

Martin Crossley, 37, was taken into custody without incident Monday afternoon at a relative’s home in Lombard. He was charged with one count of felony bank robbery in connection with the Nov. 30 robbery of the First Merit Bank branch, 678 Lee Street in Des Plaines.

According to the complaint, Crossley entered First Merit Bank and waited in line as a teller assisted another customer with a number of transactions.  The complaint states that the teller interrupted those transactions to assist Crossley, who then stepped away and removed a plastic liner from a trash can in the bank’s lobby. 

Crossley then allegedly returned to the teller window, placed the trash can liner on the counter and presented a demand note to the teller. According to the complaint, the teller placed cash in the trash can liner, then placed additional cash in the liner when Crossley made a verbal demand for more money. As Crossley left the bank, he was confronted by the same customer whose transactions were interrupted by Crossley. Although the two got into a physical altercation, Crossley was able to flee, the complaint states. 

While not charged, the complaint also alleges that Crossley robbed the PNC Bank branch at 1177 Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove Nov. 19, and the Fifth Third Bank branch at 1603 West 16th St. in Oak Brook Nov. 29.

Crossley appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole, when he was formally charged. He is scheduled to appear again before Judge Cole at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14.  

If convicted, Crossley faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

In announcing the arrest and charge, Trautmann acknowledged the significant assistance provided by officers of the Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines and Oak Brook police departments.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.