New Franklin man pleads guilty to trying to rob locked bank

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A New Franklin man pleaded guilty to an attempted bank robbery Thursday in federal court.

Meanwhile, his wife awaits a coming December trial date.

Jacob L. Hessing, 26, pleaded guilty to trying to rob the Exchange Bank of Missouri in New Franklin last September. Hessing has been in federal custody since his arrest, the U.S. attorney's office says in a release. His wife, Tristen Hessing, was released on bond for attempted bank robbery and being a felon with a gun.

Her trial is set to begin Dec. 2, according to federal court records.

Authorities say Jacob Hessing was walking around New Franklin in all-black clothing carrying an AR-style rifle on the day of the robbery attempt. He tried to enter the lobby but it was locked because it was a Saturday, according to the release.

Security cameras saw Jacob Hessing speed away in a red Chevrolet Equinox and authorities raided his residence about a block and a half from the bank on Oct. 30, the release says. Investigators found a gun that matched the description of the one used in the robbery attempt with a fully-loaded magazine, the release says.

Jacob Hessing is subject to up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has not been set.