Accused robber tells tale about Saxonburg bank heist on Facebook
Arthur Pillart III took to Facebook on Sunday afternoon to tell his friends goodbye and show remorse before turning himself in to police on charges of robbing a bank in Saxonburg.
According to the criminal complaint, Pillart, 31, of Clinton Township walked in to the Citizens Bank on Friday afternoon and demanded a teller put money in a plastic grocery bag.
Minutes before turning himself in to police, Pillart posted a message on his Facebook page, calling the robbery "the dumbest thing i have ever done im pretty sure."
The post had more than 20 comments from dumbfounded friends and family members who couldn't believe the Butler County man would commit such an act.
The criminal complaint said the teller put money in the bag -- along with a dye pack. After a few moments, Pillart told the teller "that's it" and ran out the door and jumped into a running red sedan.
The owner of the car -- Jessica Artana, 31, of Harrison -- also has been charged. According to the criminal complaint, Artana confessed to driving the car.
"Through the investigation we discovered we needed to talk to Mr. Pillart," said Saxonburg police Chief Joe Beachem. "The Facebook posts came to light after we were already looking for him."
Pillart went on to say in a later Facebook post "well we are bout togo to the station thanks everyone wish me luck."
According to the criminal complaint, the dye pack went off in the bag, causing the bag to smoke. Artana said in the complaint that's when she made Pillart throw the bag out of the car window.
"He got over $2,000," Beachem said. "It was all recovered."
Pillart and Artana are being held in the Butler County Jail in lieu of bail to await a preliminary hearing on charges of robbery and conspiracy.
Court records show Pillart has previous convictions on charges such as burglary, criminal trespass, theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. Artana also has a previous conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia, the records show.
