Man accused of robbing Newcastle bank in between two casino visits
After gambling at a casino, an Oklahoma City man robbed a nearby bank and then made his way to a second casino, where he was arrested, the FBI reported.
Frankie Paul Gabaldon, 28, was charged last week in Oklahoma City federal court with a bank robbery offense. His girlfriend told investigators he has “a significant gambling problem.”
Prosecutors allege Gabaldon robbed the First United Bank at 4925 SE 44 in Newcastle after gambling at Riverwind Casino and before arriving at Newcastle Casino.
The robber entered the bank about 3:45 p.m. Aug. 14, a special agent with the FBI reported in a court affidavit. The man was dressed in a polo shirt with a bandanna wrapped around his head in a bow. The bank is a couple blocks west of Riverwind Casino.
After approaching the bank teller, the robber said, “Give me all your money in your top drawer,” according to the affidavit. At one point, the robber said he had a weapon in his waistband and lifted his shirt to show a dark object, the agent reported.
The teller gave the robber $3,000 cash, all in $100 bills, according to the affidavit. After the robbery, responding law enforcement viewed surveillance video from a nearby business. It showed the robber run from the bank toward the business’s parking lot. A gray or silver vehicle then quickly left the parking lot, the agent reported.
Investigators then discovered surveillance video at Riverwind Casino showing Gabaldon leaving the casino about five minutes before the robbery, the agent reported. They also were told Gabaldon’s girlfriend was an employee at Riverwind Casino, according to the affidavit.
The girlfriend was shown bank surveillance photos of the robber and she identified the man as Gabaldon, the agent reported. She said Gabaldon had been unemployed since May, “was experiencing financial difficulties and had a significant gambling problem.”
The girlfriend also reported Gabaldon used to work at Riverwind Casino and was fired for “gambling on the clock,” the FBI reported.
The couple shared a gray or silver 2005 Chevy Impala, the agent reported.
As Gabaldon made his way to Newcastle Casino, he had two tires blow out on State Highway 37, he told investigators. He said he flagged down another motorist, who was identified as an Oklahoma City firefighter, the agent reported.
“The man stated he had $3,000 and needed help,” the firefighter told investigators.
The firefighter ultimately dropped off Gabaldon at Newcastle Casino, the agent reported. Gabaldon was later arrested at the casino with $1,400 in his pocket.
Gabaldon denied robbing the bank but “stated he was gambling at Riverwind Casino at approximately 3:30 p.m. and then left for Newcastle Casino,” the agent reported. The clothing worn by Gabaldon was similar to the robber’s clothing, according to the affidavit.
During a detention hearing Thursday, a judge ordered Gabaldon be released on bond to a halfway house. As part of his conditional release, he is not allowed to visit casinos or gamble.
“No gambling of any kind, anywhere,” said U.S. Magistrate Judge Shon T. Erwin.
Hours after release Thursday, Gabaldon reportedly fled the halfway house. After about two hours, he returned and was arrested again for violating his bond. The judge on Friday ordered Gabaldon be released again on the same conditions.
“Don’t disappoint me,” the judge told Gabaldon. “I’m taking yet another chance on you.”