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Hearing delayed for accused bank robber; feds may take over case

The federal government might be taking over the case against a man accused of robbing two banks.

Robert Charles Stiver, 68, was arrested in early December while he was waiting for a flight at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Police allege Stiver robbed the First Commonwealth Bank in Harmar and the Allegheny Valley Bank on Mount Royal Boulevard in Shaler Township. Police said he used a revolver to rob the banks and escaped with nearly $6,000 just from the bank in Harmar.

Stiver, who is formerly of Lawrenceville, was arrested at the airport while he was trying to head home to Pompano Beach, Florida. Police said he was carrying about $1,500 and four stamp bags of heroin at the airport.

Stiver is facing a list of charges, including armed robbery. On Thursday, he was transported from jail to the district judge in Shaler Township, but his preliminary hearing was postponed for the second time.

Also Thursday, officials said this could be a federal case because the FBI helped apprehend Stiver. Stiver was denied a bail reduction and remains in the Allegheny County Jail on $250,000 bail.

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