Bus riding bank robber admits holding up 3 Pittsburgh banks

A former Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of bank robbery Tuesday. The incidents took place between Jan. 31 and Feb. 8, 2022.

Calvin Leavy, 68, of Pride Street in the Hill District, admitted attempting to rob the First National Bank at 3721 Forbes Ave. in Oakland on Jan. 31, 2022. Leavy approached a bank employee and demanded money. However, he left the bank empty handed.

About 12 minutes later, federal prosecutors said he entered the PNC bank at 4600 Fifth Ave. in Oakland wearing the same clothing. Leavy told a bank employee, “I have a gun. Give me the money,” according to a Justice Department statement. Leavy stole $1,338 from the PNC, the statement said.

Then on Feb. 8, 2022, Leavy entered the First National Bank at 307 Fourth Ave., Downtown, approached a bank employee, said he had a gun and demanded money. Authorities say Leavy robbed FNB of $1,238.

Investigators used surveillance footage to determine that Leavy took Port Authority buses to travel to and from each of the bank robberies and used his bus card to pay for the fare. After tracking his movements, investigators found Leavy wearing the same clothing he wore during the robbery and arrested him.

U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 16. Pending sentencing, Leavy remains in custody.

The FBI and the Pittsburgh police directed the investigation that led to Leavy’s prosecution.