District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on November 7th, Edwin MCPEAK, of Olean, New York, was sentenced to state prison for robbing a bank in Eldred. MCPEAK entered the Hamlin Bank in Eldred on June 6th wearing a gorilla-style mask and demanding money from cashiers while having a firearm.  He fled in a truck that was found to have been stolen from Olean. 

Bank employees conveyed the description of the truck to 911.  Law enforcement from all over McKean County began looking for the vehicle.  MCPEAK was observed in the vehicle and officers pursued him.  He lost control of the vehicle on Rew Hill causing the truck to go over an embankment and was taken into custody.  Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run charged MCPEAK. He was sentenced on charges of Robbery- demanding money from financial institution; Robbery – threatening serious bodily injury; Theft (of bank funds); and Receiving Stolen Property (vehicle from Olean). 

The District Attorney sought a sentencing enhancement that applies when a weapon is used in a crime.  The enhancement allows for a higher permissible sentence.  This enhanced sentence was applied by the Court. The Judge sentenced MCPEAK to incarceration in state prison for 5 years to 10 years plus consecutive supervision. Additional terms include no contact with victims or witnesses, pay restitution for the damage to the vehicle and damage to property, etc. and provide a DNA sample.  MCPEAK is not eligible for any early parole program.  The money was recovered and will be returned to Hamlin Bank.