The reported getaway driver in the robbery of the Demotte State Bank last month has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana said.

Janie Deal, 32, of Westville, entered into the plea agreement on Wednesday.

Aiding and abetting is punishable by a term of up to 20 years and a fine of $250,000. In exchange for Deal’s plea, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will recommend a sentence “at the minimum of the applicable guideline range.”

The agreement, however, is not binding on the judge.

Also charged in connection with the robbery was Troy Lively, 42, of Westville.

According to the FBI, at 2:20 p.m. Sept. 6, a lone male entered the Demotte State Bank armed with a black handgun, approached a teller, and demanded money from both teller drawers. The men then fled the scene, heading west.

Subsequent investigation by the FBI and the Demotte Police Department identified Lively as the robber and Deal as the getaway driver, the FBI said.

Investigators also determined that the two were staying at a Westville residence belonging to a relative of Lively’s, and agents conducting a surveillance of the home on Sept. 7 spotted Lively and Deal driving the same vehicle used in the robbery, the FBI said.

On being spotted, Lively and Deal abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, with Deal’s being apprehended immediately and Lively on Thursday, with the assistance of a K-9 unit of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Police.

A handgun believed to be the one used in the robbery was recovered from the vehicle, as was clothing worn by Deal and Lively during the robbery, the FBI said.

Posted 10/21/2011