PITTSBURGH, PA. – Mark Laughner, 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2025, to a charge of bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Laughner admitted to the crime before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon, pleading guilty to Count One of the Indictment.
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According to court records, on May 16, 2024, Laughner entered a bank in Reserve Township wearing a baseball cap and a neck gaiter that concealed his face. He demanded the teller hand over all of her large bills. After receiving $1,370 in $100 and $50 bills, Laughner threatened to shoot the teller in the face if she didn’t provide more cash quickly. He was later identified through surveillance footage and witness interviews.
The Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) obtained an arrest warrant for Laughner. On May 20, 2024, detectives attempted to apprehend him as he sat in a vehicle outside a Pittsburgh fire station.
When detectives approached with their emergency lights activated, Laughner jumped into the driver’s seat and attempted to flee.
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He drove in reverse at a high rate of speed, nearly striking two ACPD detectives. After ignoring commands to stop, he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Law enforcement, using a K-9 unit, apprehended Laughner as he hid in thick brush.
Judge Bissoon has scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2025. Laughner faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The actual sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offense and Laughner’s criminal history.
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