Suspect in Deadly Bank Robbery Attempt Indicted in Chicago

An Orland Hills man is one of two people accused in a May attempted bank robbery where a third suspect was shot dead, authorities said.

Aaron Russell, 40, is charged with attempted bank robbery, conspiracy to commit bank robbery, using firearms during a violent crime and illegally possessing firearms as a previously convicted felon, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago.

Russell was indicted last week in federal court in  after he and Roberto Favela, 34, of Chicago, were initially charged in Rockford federal court, authorities said. Both were arraigned Tuesday morning.

Favela, Russell, and Tony Starnes, 45, of Chicago, drove on May 10 from Chicago to the Associated Bank on Main Street in the McHenry County village of Richmond, authorities said. FBI agents confronted the men as they pulled up in two cars. Starnes, who was driving one car, was shot while driving into an agent's vehicle.

Officials say Russell and Favela had four guns between them. Russell was charged with possession of three of the firearms.

Attempted bank robbery carries up to 20 years in prison, officials said. The maximum either suspect could get for a conviction on conspiracy to commit bank robbery is five years in prison.

Russell faces a mandatory sentence of five years with the possibility of life in prison if convicted of using a firearm in a violent crime. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000. The possession of a firearm by a felon charge comes with a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, upon conviction.

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