Religious reasons persuade man to admit to Orem robbery

Police had all but given up on finding the suspects who robbed an Orem bank last year, until one man stepped forward, apparently for religious reasons.

Cameron Lee Johnson, 19, admitted to police in early October that he drove the getaway car in the two-man robbery of Alpine Credit Union, 351 E. 800 South, on Dec. 23, 2008, said Sgt. Craig Martinez.

Johnson helped fellow Pleasant Grove resident Jared Perkins, 19, get away after entering the bank two days before Christmas wearing sunglasses, a knitted cap and a wig, according to a probable cause statement.

Perkins allegedly handed the bank teller a piece of paper asking for all of the money in her cash drawer and directing her to not push a silent alarm button or give him dye packs. Police said no weapons were used in the theft. Following company rules, the bank teller complied with the paper request, and Perkins walked out of the bank, the document states.

Then Perkins walked through the parking lot and drove off with Johnson to a Dumpster, where they discarded the disguises, according to the document. The alleged robbers then shared the money and spent some at the University Mall in Orem later that same day, the document states.

Police believe the primary purpose for the robbery was for Christmas shopping, based on the day of its execution. Martinez said they believe all the money has been spent.

"We had video surveillance of the robbery, but by now had pretty much exhausted our leads," he said.

Perkins was booked into Utah County Jail Wednesday for investigation of robbery, a second-degree felony. Bail has been set at $5,000. A hearing is set for Nov. 5 in 4th District Court.

Police said Johnson was interviewed earlier this month but has not been arrested yet.

"We're just compiling all the evidence and will let the county attorney's office review for possible charges," Martinez said.

Police wouldn't comment on what religion Johnson belongs to or say more about what motivated his decision to come forward at this time.

e-mail: lgroves@desnews.com