Godfrey man sentenced for three robberies in eight days

GODFREY - Joseph E. Schwank, 24, of Godfrey, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court, in East St. Louis today, for his recent conviction on one count of Bank Robbery and two counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced.

Schwank was sentenced to 92 months in prison; three years supervised release; a $300 fine; and ordered to pay a total of $300 in special assessments.

Schwank pled guilty on May 22, 2015, to charges stemming from a February, 23, 2015, robbery of a Pizza Hut restaurant in Alton, Illinois, during which Schwank demanded money from an employee in a threatening tone, displayed an airsoft gun, and was handed approximately $475 by the employee before fleeing; a March 2, 2015, bank robbery at a US Bank branch in Alton, Illinois, during which Schwank entered the bank wearing a hunter’s hat and large white sunglasses, handed a teller a note which read, “DON’T BE A HERO PUT ALL OF THE MONEY IN YOUR CASH REGISTER ON THE COUNTER FOR ME. ROBBERY,” and was handed $1,613 before fleeing; and a March 3, 2015, robbery of a Domino’s Pizza in Bethalto, Illinois, during which Schwank disguised his face, demanded money from an employee, and was provided approximately $53 before fleeing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Alton, Illinois, Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.

More like this:

Charges Filed In Vehicular Hijacking Case Involving Police Chase, Godfrey Walmart Theft

May 24, 2026

Man Charged in First Degree Robbery

May 26, 2026

Sen. Harriss and Sen. Tracy Help Resident Recover Nearly $100K in Unclaimed Property at ICASH Event

May 14, 2026

1928 Crime Spree Came Down Route 66

4 days ago

Fake Stick-Up Video Sparks Police Warning in Fairview Heights

2 days ago