Judge Denies Downward Departure; Stock Island Credit Union robber Sentenced to State Prison

KEY WEST, FL – In a recent case, County Judge Mark Wilson sentenced Shannon Gaytan after he entered a guilty plea to Robbery stemming from the November 22, 2024 robbery of the Keys Federal Credit Union on Stock Island.

Gaytan was sentenced to two years in the Florida Department of Corrections, with credit for time served, followed by three years of probation. As a condition of probation, he will be required to participate in mental health treatment. Upon his release from prison, Gaytan has been accepted into the House of Hope treatment program to continue addressing his mental health needs.

Prior to sentencing, Gaytan entered what is known as an “open plea” to the Court, meaning there was no negotiated sentencing agreement with the State and he asked the Judge to determine the appropriate sentence. The defense requested a downward departure sentence below the Florida Criminal Punishment Code sentencing guidelines based on the defendant’s mental health. After considering the evidence and arguments presented, Judge Wilson denied that request and imposed the sentence described above. The sentence reflects the Court’s determination that accountability for the robbery was necessary while also recognizing the importance of continued mental health treatment as part of the defendant’s rehabilitation. The Court also imposed $913.00 in court costs and fines.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigation, deputies responded to a robbery alarm at approximately 11:00 a.m. at the Keys Federal Credit Union. When deputies arrived, they found Gaytan sitting outside the credit union, where he had remained after the robbery. A green Publix shopping bag containing the stolen cash was recovered nearby.

The investigation determined that Gaytan entered the credit union, approached a teller, placed a shopping bag on the counter, and demanded that employees put all of the money into the bag. Although he did not display a weapon, he repeatedly instructed the tellers to hurry and told them to call law enforcement because he would be waiting outside. Bank employees complied and placed approximately $4,915 into the bag. Deputies recovered the money at the scene, and it was returned to the credit union.

After being taken into custody, Gaytan invoked his right to remain silent. While he was seated in the patrol vehicle, a deputy thanked him for his cooperation, stating, “I appreciate you being cooperative with us.” Gaytan responded, “I wasn’t going to hurt anyone or do anything. I have a reason for this. I hope I didn’t scare the girls.” When advised they would soon be leaving the scene, Gaytan also stated, “It’s going to be a few years before I’m out.”

Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said, “Every robbery has the potential to leave lasting emotional effects on the people who experience it, and the employees in this case were forced to make difficult decisions in a matter of seconds. At the same time, this case underscores the importance of recognizing serious mental illness and ensuring that appropriate treatment is available. The sentence imposed by the Court balances accountability with rehabilitation by requiring a period of incarceration followed by supervised probation and continued mental health treatment. We hope the victims can continue to heal, and that the defendant receives the treatment necessary to reduce the likelihood of future criminal behavior.”