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Former Firefighter Headed To Federal Prison

Jesus Ventura mugshot
(credit: Dallas Co. Sheriff's Dept.)

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM)– Former Dallas firefighter Jesus Ventura, 37, faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal bank robbery charge.

Ventura admitted to robbing a Chase Bank in Dallas on April 10, 2012. According to prosecutors, he walked into the bank and first asked to use the bathroom. When he was told it was only for employees, he left. He later returned, walked up to a bank teller and said, "I am sorry to do this to you, I really am. Give me all the money."

The teller initially resisted, but turned over several bundles of cash once Ventura became more demanding. She said Ventura slipped her a $20 bill and said "Here's a tip for you," before he left the bank.

Shortly after the bank robbery, Ventura was arrested for robbing a convenience store.

Jesus Ventura
(credit: Dallas Fire-Rescue)

The City of Dallas placed Ventura on leave shortly after that arrest, but ultimately terminated him for allegedly shooting a gun inside a fire station.

Ventura was charged with deadly conduct for allegedly shooting a gun inside Fire Station #46 on March 8.

In addition to prison time, Ventura also faces a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on January 10, 2013.

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