Cedar Rapids man gets 10-year sentence for Cedar Rapids credit union robbery

A 23-year-old was sentenced Tuesday in Linn County District Court to 10 years in prison for his part in last summer's robbery of Community First Credit Union.

Joseph Cofield, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty in January to second-degree robbery. Cofield walked into Community First Credit Union last May and handed a teller a note, demanding money, and left with $6,613. According to the criminal complaint, Cofield confessed to the crime after being arrested.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Ian Thornhill also ordered Cofield to pay a $1,000 fine and victim restitution to the credit union for $6,613. A theft charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Police said Cofield was captured after the crime when his family members identified him from surveillance photos released to the media.

Tony V. Perez, 32, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and second-degree theft and was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the crime. Perez acted as the lookout person and getaway driver, according to court records.