St. Cloud Bank Robber Charged in Federal Court

(KNSI) – The man accused of taking five hostages at a St. Cloud bank on May 6th is now facing federal charges.

Ray McNeary was in federal court Wednesday, answering to charges of bank robbery. The 35-year-old McNeary is also charged in Stearns County with aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and assault.

The criminal complaint says McNeary went to the bank because he had an issue with alleged fraud on his account. The bank manager tried helping him, but when McNeary was told there was no account holder with his name, he allegedly became agitated. The manager called 911, and a short time later, pressed the panic alarm, alerting police to a possible hold up.

McNeary allegedly forced the manager into the bank vault and demanded $60,000 in cash. The manager said McNeary pressed an unknown object into his back and grabbed him so hard, his watch cut into his wrist. The criminal complaint says McNeary pressed scissors against the manager’s neck and threatened to shiv him.

He allegedly said he wanted the police to kill him so his family could get money. He said he would use the manager as a shield and that the two would die together. He is also accused of threatening to kill the five hostages.

McNeary allegedly said he wanted to be a martyr and that he wanted to make a big show with lots of media and demanded to speak with the FBI.

As negotiations continued, four of the five hostages were either released by McNeary or made a break for it.

About 10:25, the bank manager ran out, allowing for police to move in, arresting McNeary.

Bail was set in Stearns County at $1 million dollars. McNeary is now being held in the Sherburne County jail.

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