A Santa Rosa bank robbery, initially believed to be an inside job, has resulted in convictions for three individuals.
In November 2021, two masked men stormed the WestAmerica Bank, tying up employees and fleeing with $30,000. Investigators later determined the robbery was orchestrated by Brandon Celis-Sanchez, with assistance from Jeferson Montiel-Ruiz, and bank employee Gilary Morales-Sanchez.
Celis-Sanchez, allegedly pressured Montiel-Ruiz into the heist, believing inside information from Morales-Sanchez indicated a large sum of money was in a safe deposit box. However, the robbery went awry when they were unable to access the box.
Celis-Sanchez has been sentenced to seven years and four months in prison. Morales-Sanchez, convicted of being an accessory, received 24 months of probation and community service. Montiel-Ruiz, who also pleaded no contest, is scheduled for sentencing in April.
The case revealed a complex web of coercion and conflicting narratives, with disputes over Morales-Sanchez’s involvement. Restitution hearings are ongoing.
