May 23--A Chicago-area exotic dancer, allegedly armed with a handgun that sparkles, has been charged with trying to rob a bank this month in west suburban Westchester.
Michelle Parnell, 22, was charged in an indictment unsealed Friday with one count of attempted bank robbery. According to the charge, Parnell on May 2 walked into the BMO Harris Bank branch in the 10500 block of Cermak Road in Westchester "with the intent to commit" bank robbery.
When Parnell was arrested, she had a Witness Pavona 9mm handgun as well as 9mm and .22-caliber ammunition, the charge alleged. According to the gun manufacturer's website, the Witness Pavona is designed for the "discerning female shooter who appreciates Italian design and craftsmanship" and "sparkles when you hold it; a sophisticated pistol for the woman that desires everything."
Parnell, originally of Indianapolis, pleaded not guilty Friday when she appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles Norgle.
She told the judge she'd been working at several Chicago-area clubs, most recently Club Allure in Stone Park.
The judge appointed an attorney for Parnell after she told him she had only $500 in her checking account.
Prosecutors agreed to allow Parnell, who has no prior criminal record, to remain free on an unsecured $10,000 bond while her case is pending. Parnell also was charged in Cook County Criminal Court with a misdemeanor count of possessing ammunition without a valid FOID card stemming from the same incident, records show. She posted a $150 bond in that case.
Westchester police referred further questions about the alleged robbery attempt to the FBI, which had no more information Friday.
jmeisner@tribpub.com
