DESMOND COOPER, 26, of Duluth, Georgia was arrested May 22 on an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on May 19, 2009. COOPER is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of possessing a firearm during the commission of a violent felony. COOPER had his initial appearance and arraignment today before United States Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker. A detention hearing for COOPER has been scheduled for May 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker. Another defendant named in the indictment, CRAIG CARROLL, is also charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of possessing a firearm during the commission of a violent felony and is currently in the Gwinnett County Jail.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “Today’s arrest shows that the FBI and local law enforcement agencies remain committed to investigating armed robberies in our community and bringing those responsible to justice.”
According to United States Attorney Nahmias, the indictment, and the information presented in court: On May 31, 2007, COOPER was the driver of an armored security truck when it was robbed during a scheduled delivery to a check cashing facility in Tucker, Georgia. During the armed robbery, co-defendant CRAIG CARROLL allegedly robbed the armored truck while brandishing a handgun and threatening to kill an armored truck employee. CARROLL fled the scene with United States currency. Subsequent investigation by the FBI and Bibb County Police Department revealed that COOPER and CARROLL allegedly planned the May 31, 2007, armored truck robbery with COOPER providing CARROLL with details of the armored truck’s delivery route.
The indictment charges one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent felony. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Jackson is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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