A Westbrook man has pleaded guilty to robbing a South Portland bank using the drive-through lane.
Jason Arsenault, 41, entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Portland, the U.S. attorney’s office announced Monday.
Arsenault drove a black Chevrolet Suburban up to the Key Bank on Gorham Road about 11:49 a.m. on Jan. 26, 2024, wearing a black winter hat, sunglasses and a black mask.
Using the pneumatic tube in the drive-through lane, Arsenault sent a message to the teller, reading, “CAR BOMB No Cops Alarms or WE ALL DIE $50,000 in 20’s,” according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
No weapons or explosives were displayed during the robbery.
He fled with about $30,000 in the Suburban, which police located about a mile away in a parking lot off John Roberts Road, authorities said at the time.
Police arrested Arsenault without incident six days later in a parked vehicle on Mabel Street in Portland. He was charged with robbery, theft, terrorizing and unauthorized use of property.
The U.S. attorney’s office said that Arsenault led police to the money, which was hidden in a backpack in Baxter Woods in Portland. Police recovered nearly all the money.
Arsenault faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000, as well as three years of supervised release.
A judge will sentence him at a later date.
