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2 Gibsonton men get prison time in bank robberies

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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 16, 2009

Jason Rosenberger

Luke Debi

TAMPA - Two Gibsonton men were given prison sentences today for conspiring to rob four banks and credit unions in Hillsborough County.

Jason Andrew Rosenberger, 25, was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison, receiving credit for cooperating with prosecutors. He must serve three years of probation after his release.

"I'd just like to apologize for what I've done," Rosenberger told U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich. "What I've done is wrong."

His cooperation prompted a guilty plea from codefendant Luke Mark Debi, 26.

Debi's lawyer, Mark Ciaravelli, told the judge his client's problems are drug-related. Debi was released from state prison just before the robberies and immediately started using drugs again.

According to state records, Debi was released March 3 after serving three years and 10 months on charges of armed robbery, grand theft of a motor vehicle and depositing a check with the intention to defraud.

Because of his criminal background and the lack of credit for cooperating, Debi faced a longer sentence that Rosenberger, although Ciaravelli asked the judge to impose the same term.

"I don't think I know how to live a sober life," Debi said, weeping. "I haven't lived a sober life since I was 12. … I'd like to get some help."

Kovachevich sentenced Debi to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of probation.

Both men were ordered to pay a total of more than $5,000 restitution.

According to an indictment, the pair wore baseball caps and glasses to hide their identities and gave tellers notes demanding money.

• On April 9, Rosenberger stole $1,205 from the Colonial Bank at 6530 U.S. 41 N. He handed the teller a note stating, "Hand over your money please," according to his plea agreement. The note was in a plastic baggy, and Rosenberger stuffed it in his pocket after the teller read it.

• On April 13, Rosenberger stole $4,013 from the Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union at 9598 U.S. 301 S. Investigators found his fingerprint on the counter.

• On April 16, Rosenberger and Debi drove to the SunTrust Bank at 11721 Boyette Road, where Debi presented a demand note. The teller had trouble reading the note, and Debi told her, "Give me all the money in your drawer." Trying to delay Debi, the teller told him he would have to fill out a withdrawal slip and handed him one. Nervous and frustrated, Debi quickly walked out of the bank.

• On April 17, Debi and Rosenberger drove to the Fifth Third Bank at 13301 U.S. 301. Rosenberger presented a demand note and told the teller, "I need to make a withdrawal. Give me all your money out of the top drawer." The teller tried to delay Rosenberger by telling him she didn't have the keys to the drawer. Rosenberger got nervous and ran away.

Reporter Elaine Silvestrini can be reached at (813) 259-7837.

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