Oct. 29--A Lake County woman pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to robbing two banks and attempting to rob a third in the northwest suburbs earlier this year, officials announced.
Teresa Knowles, 39, of Volo admitted that she robbed two Chase Banks, the first on March 21 in Crystal Lake and the second in Grayslake on March 24, according to a news release issued by U.S. District Court. Knowles, who drove a Nissan minivan to each bank, pleaded guilty to attempting to rob another Chase Bank in Johnsburg, also on March 24, according to court records.
During the first robbery, Knowles handed a note to the teller that, according to court records, stated: "I'm sorry but God took my child, the bank took my house so I need a bundle of $100's or 10,000. Please do not do anything funny. I've got backup! Don't call for help until 5 mins after I exit or it won't be pretty! Thank you."
The teller handed Knowles $400, and when Knowles complained that it was not enough money, the teller gave Knowles an additional $2,450, according to a news release.
She presented a teller with a similar note when robbing the Grayslake bank, where she left with $1,000, records state.
Later the same day, she drove to a bank branch in Johnsburg in McHenry County.
"There, she entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. When the teller refused to hand over any money, Knowles walked out of the Chase Bank and drove away," according to court records.
Knowles, who could not be reached, is scheduled for sentencing Feb. 4.
Each count of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Knowles had no criminal history, according to court records.
lblack@tribpub.com
