BOSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Massachusetts), published as received.

BOSTON – An Everett man appeared in federal court today in connection with his alleged armed robbery of the TD Bank in Allston in November 2015.

Joseph G. Rachal, 64, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Boston and charged with armed bank robbery, carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler scheduled a detention and probable cause hearing for Jan. 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

According to court documents, on Nov.19, 2015, an individual later identified as Rachal, allegedly entered the TD Bank in Allston wearing a dark rubber mask.  Rachael approached two tellers, brandished a semi-automatic weapon, and demanded money.  The tellers gave Rachal $2,397 and he fled the bank. 

Law enforcement officers arrived within minutes of the robbery and observed a man hiding behind a parked SUV one block from the bank.  After the officers identified themselves, the man fled carrying a black nylon bag.  The man was caught and after a brief struggle and identified as Rachal.  The officers found an active radio scanner on Rachal which was tuned to the Boston Police radio frequency.  The black bag contained a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with one chambered round and a magazine containing 14 additional rounds, an extra magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dark rubber mask, gloves, a tan jacket, and $2,397.

Bank surveillance cameras confirmed that the items recovered from Rachal’s bag were consistent with those used during the robbery. 

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years to be served consecutive to the other charges.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’ Major Crimes Unit.