Bank robber pleads guilty

Staff report

A Clovis man pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges he robbed a Clovis bank last fall.

According to a release from the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s office, Matthew Gonzales, 26, was sentenced to 11 years in the state prison.

According to the release:

• Gonzales entered US Bank on Oct. 14 and demanded money. He ran south from the bank after acquiring more than $2,000 in cash, and clothing matching what he wore at the bank was found in a nearby trash bin.

• The following day, Gonzales was picked up by a Clovis police officer who saw him walking on a street. He was taken to the department for questioning, and was arrested following.

• Judge Drew Tatum sentenced Gonzales to nine years for the armed robbery charge, plus an additional two years for being a habitual offender and use of a firearm during the incident.

Gonzales was represented by Chief Public Defender Chandler Blair. Attempts to contact Blair on Wednesday were unsuccessful.