Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced a Schuylkill County man has pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to the robbery of a bank in Frackville. The bank robber was sentenced to a 6-to-15 year prison term and ordered to pay restitution as well.

Larry Dettery, 39, of West Penn Street, Shenandoah, was charged with robbery and placing several bank employees in fear of serious bodily injury or death through his use of what he claimed was an explosive device.

On May 26, 2017, Dettery entered The Miner’s Bank and placed a package on the counter of a bank teller, with a note stating that the package was a bomb and to hurry.

Dettery fled the bank with cash, discarding his glasses and hooded sweatshirt — which contained his cellphone — in woods near the bank. The cellphone’s lock screen displayed a picture of Dettery, and the sweatshirt fit the description of the man who had just left a package at the bank.

The Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Squad and the Berks County Department of Emergency Services Hazardous Material Team determined the package safe, with no explosives.

“This bank robber left innocent employees at the bank feeling in fear for their lives,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “Fortunately, the defendant left a trail of evidence near the crime scene that pointed law enforcement right back to him, and he was arrested. Thanks to strong law enforcement collaboration between West Mahanoy Township Police, Pennsylvania State Police and our prosecutors, we’re delivering justice to the people of Frackville.”

Dettery was sentenced by Schuylkill County Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin to six to 15 years in prison and to pay restitution of $3,332. This case was referred to the Office of Attorney General by Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake and prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Philip McCarthy.