News
Bank Robber Granted Judicial Release
By: Joe Higgins | Athens Messenger
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An Albany man has been granted judicial release after serving a year in prison for robbing a bank in Athens.
Emmanuel Arocho, 32, was sentenced to four years in prison in October of last year after pleading guilty to a second-degree felony charge of robbery. On July 8, 2013, Arocho walked into Peoples Bank on East State Street in Athens and handed a napkin to a bank teller that detailed a demand for money and instructions not to activate the alarm. Arocho was able to escape with $3,150.
A few days later, Arocho surrendered to police. It was later revealed that Arocho robbed the bank in order to obtain money to buy drugs.
Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn said at the time that Arocho had "an enormous drug problem." After being arrested, Arocho was able to secure bond. However, while out on bond, he attempted to overdose again and was combative with hospital personnel while they tried to treat him.
When Arocho pleaded guilty, Blackburn said he would not oppose judicial release after at least a year had been served but that Arocho needed to serve prison time due to his actions.
On Oct. 22, Arocho filed a motion with Athens County Common Pleas Court for early judicial release. Arocho had a favorable warden's report and completed the year in prison at that time. The prosecution did not object to the release as the agreement called for Arocho to be placed into either a community-based correctional facility or a Veterans Affairs program.
Arocho must also pay restitution to the bank and serve five years of community control. He must submit to a substance abuse evaluation, cannot consume alcohol or possess illegal drugs or prescription drugs not prescribed to him. Arocho is subject to random drug testing and cannot have any contact with Peoples Bank.
Should he re-offend, Arocho could be sentenced to serve the balance of the four-year prison sentence. He is currently incarcerated in the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail where he must remain until Tuesday at 4 p.m.