FBI to take over Community First Bank Robbery Case

The man charged in the recent robbery from Community First Bank near Seneca remains in a North Carolina jail. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office issued an arrest warrant last week against 53-year-old Jesse Ray Pate of Mountain Rest and he was arrested near Raleigh. Extradition proceedings are now underway to return him to Oconee County; however, the FBI may soon be taking over the case, explains Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt. “As of right now from my understanding, Mr. Pate is still in North Carolina, he was arrested last Saturday in Johnston County, N.C., which is not to far away from Raleigh. From my understanding and Sheriff Mike Crenshaw has made this comment as well, it looks like the FBI either has or will be taking over the case.” The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office will continue to assist the FBI in the case in whatever capacity needed. Pate stands accused of taking around $5,767 from the bank.