Being Robbed
June 17th, 2007I don’t know how many of you are or have ever been bank tellers or other members of the service industry who are, every day, asked to place their lives on the line for little pay and little or no respect. I am a former bank teller. In 2005 I experienced my first robbery. In 2006 I went through the second, this time as the target.
James Cavallo Jr had pleaded guilty to robbing me, at the bank where I worked. Some might argue that technically he robbed the bank, but the bank didn’t take his note, and the bank didn’t fear for its life. The media coverage has been spectacular, if you’re a Cavallo. First, there was the People magazine article calling his Asst Police Chief dad a “hero” for turning him in when he recognized his son in the surveillance video. My special moment? The back of my head is in the still they show from our cameras. Next we have all of the coverage in out local paper, the latest article on Father’s Day, speaking of daddy’s “tough love” and how Jr has forgiven him for turning him in. Between this article and the last, I discovered that Jr did *not* tell me he had a gun, and also that I laughed when he handed me the note. Funny that. As I recall, he was all coked up at the time–at least, that’s what I was told. I’m sure that “enhances” his memory, though…Not only did his note specify that he had a gun, but while I clamped my jaw shut so tight that I later hurt for DAYS and was so angry that I actually bent the key in the lock getting his longed-for $20s, he insisted that I hurry up, and reminded me more than once that he had a gun. I didn’t laugh. If I had done anything except stay silent and act like a robot bad things would most surely have happened. It must be much easier for his wife to believe I thought it was a joke, and that it never occurred to me that her waste of a husband might also rob my children of their mother, being a mother herself. I wonder how Mr Cavallo Jr would feel if one of his drug buddies held up his wife trying to collect on money he owes? I wonder if he would feel sorry for them, and shake his head sadly, bemoaning how drugs did it all, the way he and his family expect the rest of us to react.
By pleading guilty, Mr Cavallo Jr has “spared” me the inconvenience of appearing in court to testify. In actuality, as both his father and lawyer know, what he has done is AGAIN robbed me, this time of speaking as the victim has the right to do, at his trial.
For fun and giggles, please feel free to read the article at The Morning Call.
I wanted so much to get your name after the robbery so I could apologize for the trauma you went through. I know the terror of victims of robbery and I didnt think for one momoent that you laughed. Nothing I could say could make it up to you.
I am J Cavallo Sr. and I want you to know that I am not amused by what was written in the Morning Call article. My thoughts on Jr’s future are not the same as most of the family. You see, I have seen the terror in victims and when I do I get so angry that someone would put another person through that.
I hope you are not offended by my post. I dont expect any leniancy on Jr’s behalf. Even one day less than he deserves would be a mockery of the justice system.
Was it the Cocaine, my failures as a father, etc? that caused him to do this? I personally believe that everyone, no matter what the circumstances, must answer for the decisions they make in life.
The only reason I have been allowing the press to run these stories is that I have received hundreds of letters and emails from families who’s loved ones are struggling with addiction and how this story inspired them to take drastic measures to confront their loved ones addictions.
The only hero in this story is You. I wanted so much in the beginning to get your name so I could apoligize for what he did, but they said it was inappropriate to contact you. I agreed because I didnt want you to think I was terrorizing you.
I have been in law enforcement for over 20 years. I have always been motivated by the victims in any case, to hunt down the defendant and prosecute him or her for their acts. Unfortunately in this case the defendant was my son.
Again, I am truly sorry for what he did to you.
Well Mr Cavallo Sr, if this is actually you, I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to locate a post regarding your son, and for your apology on his behalf.
I’m well aware of your daughter-in-law’s connection to my former employer. That has been the only reason that in my continued anger I haven’t written a letter to the paper. Not that it likely would be published, knowing the fabulous MCall.
To you I apologize for my sarcasm. I have no illusions that I still carry a great deal of anger over this short moment a year ago. If something good is truly coming out of this, allowing other people to take action in their lives, ultimately it will make the world a better place.
For my part, I will simply stay out of the banking industry.
It really is me. There is no need for you to apologize! I can understand your frustration. If there is anything I can do for you don’t hesitate to ask. I wish you and your family the best life can bring.
Jim (jcavallo@mooretwppolice.com)