Indianapolis man gets 12 years for Chase Bank robbery

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man is headed to federal prison for more than 12 years after admitting to robbing a Chase Bank on North Meridian Street.

Brinton Lenell Yates, 58, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1,583 in restitution.

According to court documents, the robbery happened around 10:54 a.m. on December 2, 2025. Yates walked up to a teller, pulled a robbery note from his wallet and pressed it against the glass. The note read, “This is a robbery 100s and 50s.”

Yates then told the teller, “Give all the money you have,” while motioning toward his waistband and adding, “You think I’m playing with you?”

The teller handed over $1,583 in cash, which Yates put into his jacket pockets before leaving the bank and driving away in a red Dodge Dakota.

His freedom didn’t last long. About an hour later, members of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force found the truck near West 30th Street and arrested Yates.

Investigators found an apartment key inside the vehicle. When IMPD officers later searched Yates’ apartment, they found the disguise he allegedly wore during the robbery.

U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler said the sentence sends a clear message to people who threaten employees and target financial institutions.

“Today’s sentence once again demonstrates Department of Justice commitment to seek lengthy sentences for violent repeat offenders. Regardless of the amount taken, any act of violence or intimidation against our financial institutions will be met with serious federal consequences,” Wheeler said. “Those who choose to endanger the safety of our communities will be met with swift justice and held fully accountable.”

FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley also pointed to Yates’ criminal history.

“Threatening an employee and robbing a bank is a serious crime, and Yates’ lengthy criminal history makes clear that this was not an isolated incident,” O’Malley said. “This sentence removes a repeat offender from our community and holds him accountable for his actions. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue career criminals who put our communities at risk and work to ensure they face justice in federal court.”

The FBI and IMPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson McGrath prosecuted it.

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