Career Criminal Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Indianapolis Bank Robbery

INDIANAPOLIS- Brinton Lenell Yates, 58, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of bank robbery. Yates was also ordered to pay $1,583 in restitution.

According to court documents, on the morning of December 2, 2025, at approximately 10:54 a.m., Yates robbed the Chase Bank located on North Meridian Street in Indianapolis. Upon approaching the teller counter, Yates removed a robbery demand note from his wallet that read, "This is a robbery 100s and 50s," and pressed it against the glass. He then instructed the teller to "Give all the money you have" and motioned toward his waistband, stating, "You think I'm playing with you?"

The teller retrieved $1,583 in cash from the top drawer and handed it to Yates, who placed the money in his jacket pockets before leaving the bank and driving away in a red Dodge Dakota.

Approximately one hour later, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Task Force located the vehicle near West 30th Street and arrested Yates. Investigators found an apartment key inside the truck, and subsequent search of Yates' apartment by IMPD officers uncovered the disguise he wore during the robbery.

"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," said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "Those who choose to endanger the safety of our communities will be met with swift justice and held fully accountable."

"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," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O'Malley. "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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson McGrath who prosecuted this case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.