San Francisco, California - A federal grand jury indicted Timothy Wayne Phillips Tuesday for allegedly committing three bank robberies and attempting a fourth robbery in the San Francisco Bay Area, announced United States Attorney Alex. G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.

According to the indictment, between August 29, 2018, and September 7, 2018, Phillips, 51, of San Francisco, used force, violence, and intimidation, to commit three bank robberies.  The robberies occurred on the following dates and locations:

• August 29, 2018 – U.S. Bank in San Bruno, Calif.
• September 6, 2018 – Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco, Calif.
• September 7, 2018 – Wells Fargo Bank in Berkeley, Calif. 

Phillips allegedly stole a total of $7,335.90 from the banks.  In addition, Phillips allegedly attempted to rob City National Bank in Walnut Creek on September 7, 2018.  In sum, Phillips was charged with three counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery.  Each count is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a).   

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  The defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for each charge.  Additional fines, forfeitures, restitution, and special assessments also may be imposed.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.   

The defendant currently is in federal custody and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Westmore on October 4, 2018 for arraignment.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Springsteen is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk.  The prosecution is the result of investigations by the FBI with significant assistance from the police departments of Daly City, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, and San Bruno.