DNA Evidence Prompts Plea in Wichita Bank Robbery

WICHITA, KS—Daryl McNeil, 46, Wichita, Kan., has pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

In his plea, McNeil admitted that on Aug. 23, 2006, he robbed Fidelity Bank, 3523 E. Harry in Wichita. When he entered the bank, he brandished an air pistol designed to look like an actual firearm.

According to an agent's affidavit, McNeil pointed the pistol at a teller and said, “Give me all your money, or you will die." As he was leaving the bank with the stolen money, a dye pack exploded spewing red dye and tear gas. As he fled, he discarded some of the money, a pair of latex gloves and a do-rag he had been wearing on his head, all stained with red dye and tear gas from the dye packs. Other items were later located near the scene. Investigators used DNA testing to tie McNeil to some of the discarded articles which were recovered.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 2, 2009. Prosecutors are recommending McNeil be sentenced to 108 months in federal prison. Welch commended the Wichita Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Curzydlo for their work on the case.

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