FORT WORTH -- A former Bank of America branch manager who pleaded guilty in March to bank fraud for stealing more than $2 million from customers' accounts was sentenced to 63 months in prison Wednesday.
Pamela Cobb, 40, must also pay more than $1,100,000 in restitution; first to the customers she stole from and then to the bank, U.S. District Judge Terry Means ordered.Cobb spoke briefly prior to the sentencing, apologizing to her victims, the bank, the court and government, and to her family "who I've disappointed and hurt with my actions." Though she requested leniency from the judge, she said she was ready to accept whatever punishment he deemed appropriate.Cobb's attorney, Julya Billhymer, said she was pleased by the sentence.Under federal sentencing guidelines, Cobb faced between 63 months to 78 months in prison but could have been sentenced to less time or up to 30 years by Means. She was not eligible for probation."Even though she's going to jail for 63 months, we looked at that as a very positive outcome today," Billhymer said.Cobb was released after the hearing but ordered to surrender to federal authorities to begin her incarceration Oct. 29.Prosecutors alleged that Cobb, beginning some time in 2002 until April 2011, withdrew cash from customers' accounts at the River Oaks bank, sometimes forging signatures on withdrawal slips. She would inform tellers that she was withdrawing cash for the customer, sometimes lying that the customer was waiting in her office.Prosecutor say Cobb targeted customers with whom she had had a long-standing relationship, knowing that they would report any improper transactions directly to her. She would then replenish their accounts with more stolen money.Means also ordered Cobb to forfeit a diamond ring and bracelet, a 1967 Ford Mustang, a camping trailer and $2 million.During the hearing, prosecutors pointed out that Cobb had been fully cooperative in the case."From Day One she stepped up to the plate in taking full responsibility for her actions," Billhymer said. "... She's going to pay the price severely. She's going to spend 63 months in federal prison, then going to be on ... supervised release for five years. She's going to have to pay restitution the rest of her life."Deanna Boyd, 817-390-7655Twitter: @deannaboydHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
