Accused Chino bank robbers reject plea offers

Four men accused of robbing a bank in Chino last year rejected plea offers this morning that would have landed them prison sentences of 13 to 22 years.

Prosecutors accuse Tiawan Merriweather, Tylin Merriweather, Terry McAdams and Sepheren Scorza of robbing about $120,000 from the Citibank at 14808 Pipeline Ave. on July 3, 2007.

If convicted on all charges filed against them, the men face prison sentences ranging from 20-plus years to life, attorneys said in West Valley Superior Court this morning.

The four men had earlier agreed to accept plea deals in the case, but changed their minds. Colclough said today's offers were the same as the previous plea offers.

During the hearing, each of the men's defense attorneys told Judge Michael Libutti they advised their client to accept the plea deal.

All the men told the judge they understood the offers and did not want to accept them. Libutti set a trial date for Jan. 26.