Evergreen Reporter

A Pittsburgh resident has admitted to a bank robbery that took place in Reserve Township. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti confirmed that Mark Laughner, aged 38, entered a guilty plea on March 18, 2025. The plea was made before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

According to court details, the incident occurred on May 16, 2024. Laughner entered the bank wearing a baseball cap and neck gaiter covering his face. He demanded large bills from the teller and threatened violence if his demands were not met swiftly. He escaped with $1,370 in cash but was later identified through surveillance footage and witness accounts.

The Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) obtained an arrest warrant for Laughner. On May 20, 2024, detectives spotted him near a Pittsburgh fire station. As officers approached with emergency lights activated, Laughner attempted to flee by taking control of the vehicle he was in and driving it in reverse at high speed. Despite commands to stop, he narrowly avoided hitting two detectives before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot. A police K-9 unit eventually located him hiding in thick brush.

Judge Bissoon has set sentencing for July 22, 2025. The maximum penalty includes up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 or both. Sentencing will consider the crime's severity and any prior criminal history.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is leading the prosecution against Laughner. The investigation was conducted by the Allegheny County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups. Launched by the Department on May 26, 2021, PSN emphasizes trust-building within communities and strategic enforcement priorities.