Waukesha Man Charged in Associated Bank Robbery

A 30-year-old Waukesha man has been charged in connection with the robbery of Associated Bank on Dec. 26.

An anonymous tip lead police to arrest James N. Rivera for the robbery on Thursday, said Waukesha Police Capt. Ron Oremus. Rivera was charged Friday in Waukesha County Circuit Court with robbery with the threat of force. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.

Rivera remains in the Waukesha County Jail in lieu of $25,000.

According to the criminal complaint:

A man with a star tattoo under his right eye walked into Associated Bank, 1270 W. Sunset Drive shortly before 1:30 p.m. Dec. 26. The man demanded $5,000 in 10 minutes and threatened to blow up the bank if he did not receive the money.

An anonymous tipster told a Waukesha police officer that Rivera was possibly telling family members he robbed Associated Bank. Police searched records on Rivera, which showed Rivera matched the description of the suspect and drives a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicle. Police made contact with Rivera’s place of employment, where they were told Rivera called in sick as an unexcused absence on the day of the robbery.

The tipster told police Rivera is a marijuana user and may be addicted to pain-killers. Rivera told police he spent several days before Christmas at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for depression. He decided to call in sick to work at 5 a.m. Dec. 26, and drove to a park and ride where he slept for about six hours. When he woke up, Rivera told police he was “freaking out over money” and decided to rob a bank to help with his money problems.

Rivera told police he drew the star tattoo under his eye with a pen to cover up a birthmark he had near his eye.

Rivera told police he didn’t intend to hurt anyone and was sorry he committed the robbery. Rivera told police he gave some money to his wife for bills and bought alcohol, gift cards, video games, marijuana and a lot of lottery tickets.