BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Fernando Shorty, 37, of Albuquerque has been charged in federal court in connection with the attempted robbery of a bank in Santa Fe in July 2019. The FBI arrested Shorty in Albuquerque Jan. 30 on a federal complaint and indictment charging him with attempted bank robbery.

Shorty is accused of attempting to rob New Mexico Bank and Trust, 1549 Paseo de Peralta, in Santa Fe.

According to court documents, Shorty entered the bank and approached a teller. He allegedly told her he had a gun and told her to give him a “twenty”. He placed a piece of paper towel from the bathroom which had illegible scribbling on it.

A manager approached the teller’s station and asked Shorty how he could help him. Shorty told the manager he had a gun and that he wanted “a twenty”. The manager told Shorty it would be best if he left and that he needed to leave. Shorty slowly left the bank and sat down at a nearby bus stop.

Santa Fe Police Department was notified and located Shorty who thought he was in Albuquerque. He did not have a gun on him. Shorty has been charged with attemting to commit a felony – robbery.

The FBI reminds the public that charges in criminal complaints and indictments are only accusations and that all defendants are considered innocent unless convicted in a court of law.