By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - A married couple accused of pulling off what officials believe to be the largest bank heist in recent Tristate history was indicted Wednesday by a Clermont County grand jury.

Robert and Michelle Moore were arrested July 15 in Union Township - Michelle Moore in the couple's rented house and Robert Moore as he pumped gas at a service station.

Assistant Clermont County Prosecutor Tony Brock said Robert Moore was charged with one count of aggravated robbery, while Michelle Moore was charged with one count of complicity to aggravated robbery, four counts of money laundering and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

If convicted as charged, Robert Moore, 26, who is jailed in lieu of $5 million, could be sent to prison for a maximum 10 years. Michelle Moore, 23, jailed in lieu of $1 million, could face as much as 30 years in prison.

Clermont County Prosecutor Don White said Wednesday that officials think the couple stole more than $300,000 during the robbery of a Fifth Third Bank branch inside the Kroger store on Ohio 28 in Miami Township.

Officials say Robert Moore entered the bank Jan. 15, 2002, brandished a handgun and demanded money. He fled to a waiting car driven by his wife, they say.

Michelle Moore is accused of converting the cash into cashier's checks and then using those checks to purchase vehicles.

White said the checks were in small denominations, grouped together to make large purchases.

"When a cashier's check is over a certain amount, it is required that that the Internal Revenue Service be notified," White said.

He added that in his 15 years as prosecutor in Clermont County, he cannot recall a bank robber netting that much money.

"It surprises me that there was that much money in a bank inside a grocery store," White said.

Officials have not recovered the money.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com