Accused Bank Robber, Hostage Taker Pleads Guilty

(KNSI) — The Waite Park man who was accused of holding up a Wells Fargo Bank and taking workers hostage has pleaded guilty.

According to court documents, on the afternoon of May 6th, 2021, Ray Rico McNeary walked into the bank, claiming there was fraud on his account. The bank manager was not able to find his account or assist him, and McNeary became so upset that he demanded the manager take $60,000 in cash from the vault and place it in a bank bag. The manager activated the silent panic alarm, prompting a significant law enforcement response.

While some employees managed to escape, five, including the manager, were taken hostage. During the eight-hour standoff, negotiators worked to persuade McNeary to surrender as he repeatedly threatened the bank manager, holding a pair of scissors against his neck and back, according to the criminal complaint.

Throughout the negotiations, employees were allowed to leave the bank one by one, and at 10:24 p.m., the manager made a break for it and ran outside. Police swiftly moved in to take McNeary into custody.

According to an FBI affidavit, McNeary expressed a desire to be shot by police to become a martyr and provide money for his family.

He was charged in federal court for bank robbery and also faced charges in Stearns County for aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and assault. In March of 2022, he was found incompetent to stand trial.

The 38-year-old McNeary pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to one count of armed bank robbery. Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.

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