Accused bank robber arrested again after going on work release from rehab facility
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A Pittsburgh man accused of robbing two banks last month has been arrested and is back behind bars for committing the same crime again.
Police say Rashon Coleman was arrested in April for robbing two banks in Shadyside. On Sunday, he was arrested again for going back and robbing the same bank.
The 29-year-old was apparently on work release when he robbed the PNC Bank in Shadyside. Court papers said he was out on an approved shopping trip when he made this alleged robbery.
There are two criminal complaints against Coleman for this incident. One details him leaving the rehab facility, Renewal Inc., on the Boulevard of the Allies. The other accuses him of robbing the PNC Bank in the 5900 block of Centre Ave.
"When you are released on electronic monitoring or modified housing, you cannot allegedly commit any further criminal conduct," defense attorney Phil DiLucente said.
DiLucente isn't representing Coleman but explained how modified housing works. Coleman was granted that after allegedly robbing two banks in April.
Coleman's public defender appealed the bail and got modified housing from Judge Edward Borkowski.
"It gives them ability, if they want, to go work or go see their lawyer more easily or medical appointments," DiLucente said.
He said lawyers try to work with their clients to make sure they take whatever rehab or classes are needed to get modified housing.
"Whether that be house arrest or something that is a step up like a halfway house or the renewal center," DiLucente said.
Court papers say it was just before 10 a.m. Saturday morning when Coleman left for an approved shopping trip. Around 1:45 p.m. that afternoon, the facility called the police to say he was gone.
Additional paperwork said Coleman went to the PNC branch and said, "This is a bank robbery. Everybody get down." He's accused of telling the bankers, "Give me everything you have."
Coleman took off with almost $25,000 before being found by police at the FedEx store in the same block.
DiLucente hopes this doesn't stop judges from granting modified housing.
"You're very hopeful there is not a chilling effect upon all the court," he said.
Right now, Coleman is in the Allegheny County Jail. He faces charges related to his alleged escape and the robberies. His bail was set at $100,000.
