Seeking Information on Armed Robbery of Bank of America Branch in Pooler

Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with Chief Mark Revenew, Pooler Police Department, requests the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the man responsible for today’s (May 18) armed robbery of the Bank of America, 105 E. Highway 80, Pooler, Georgia.

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at approximately 10:10 a.m., a lone black male entered the Bank of America, located at 105 E. Highway 80, Pooler, Georgia, and announced a robbery. The robber, brandishing a weapon, obtained an undisclosed amount of money and departed the bank without further incident.

The robber is described as being a black male, mid-30s in age, medium build, slight facial hair, wearing a black shirt, blue jacket, and a black baseball cap with “Reebok” on front. A getaway vehicle was described as possibly being a gold box-style vehicle with possible Georgia license plate.

This individual is also believed to be responsible for the following area bank robberies:

* 4/8/2011, SunTrust Bank, 318 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406
* 4/13/2011, Bank of America, 7802 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31406
* 4/25/2011, Wells Fargo National Bank, 6999 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA

Anyone with information on this individual should contact the Savannah Crimestoppers at tel. (912) 234-2020 or the Atlanta FBI/Savannah Resident Agency at tel. (912) 232-3716.

-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Fatal Armed Robbery Suspect Sought

Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with Dekalb County Police Chief W. O'Brien, requests the public's assistance in identifying and locating the individuals responsible for today's (March 15) armed robbery of a Garda Armored Car courier, which occurred in front of the Kroger Grocery Store, located in the Toco Hills Shopping Center, 2205 La Vista Road, Atlanta (Dekalb County), Georgia:

On Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at approximately 12:03 p.m., a gunman open fired on a Garda Armored Car courier while walking back to his truck, having serviced the Kroger Grocery Store, located at 2205 La Vista Road, Atlanta (Dekalb County), Georgia. The gunman approached the courier suddenly and shot him three times. The gunman, having obtained an undisclosed amount of money, then departed the scene in a vehicle being driven by another individual. That vehicle was recovered a short distance away from the scene and it was determined that the vehicle had been carjacked the day before in Snellville, Georgia. The critically wounded courier was transported to Grady Hospital where he later died. The gunman is described as being a black male, late 20's to early 30's in age, 5'11 in height, with a medium complexion.

Garda is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for today's robbery and for the recovery of the stolen funds. Garda representatives stated "We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague in today's incident and extend our condolences to his family. We are cooperating with law enforcement in investigating the incident and therefore cannot provide any additional details."

It is believed that today's violent armed robbery is connected to the following Atlanta area armored car robberies:

On Friday, January 21, 2011, at approximately 9:00 a.m., two couriers for the Loomis Armor Car were servicing an ATM located at a Wells Fargo bank, 4798 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia. One of the two couriers, while outside of their vehicle and servicing the machine, was suddenly approached and, without warning, fired on multiple times by an armed assailant.

The assailant was able to take the courier's bag containing an undisclosed amount of money. Witnesses observed the gunman jump into a late 1980s or early 1990s Jeep Cherokee, white in color, and depart the area. The gunman is described as being a black male, 20s to late 30s in age, 5'8" - 5'11" in height, medium build, medium complexion, slight facial hair, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brandishing a black semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun. The driver of the getaway vehicle is described as being a black male, 20s to 30s in age wearing a light colored jacket with a fur collar.

The wounded courier was transported to a local area hospital, where he underwent surgery as a result of the multiple gunshot wounds. Wells Fargo has announced a reward in this matter of up to $10,000.

The above robbery is believed to be connected to a string of five previous armored car courier robberies within the Metro Atlanta area as listed below:

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at approximately 11:15 a.m., two couriers for Dunbar Armored Car were inside the Mall of Georgia, Gwinnett County, servicing an ATM. One of the couriers was approached suddenly from behind and forced to the ground by an armed assailant. The second courier, observing this, fired on the assailant as he was departing the mall through a side door.

On Monday, November 29, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a courier for a Loomis Armored Car was robbed at gunpoint while servicing an ATM at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia.

The courier was approached from behind by a single robber who placed a semi-automatic handgun to the courier's head. The robber departed the area with an undisclosed amount of money and was seen getting into the back seat of a light blue or silver vehicle, described as being possibly a Buick, Oldsmobile, or Jaguar.

On November 11, 2010, a robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1500 Buford Highway, Buford, Georgia. In that robbery, the courier was robbed while servicing an ATM at that location. The courier was approached from behind by two black male suspects brandishing handguns. One of the robbers was described as having a gold upper tooth. The robbers were seen departing that robbery in a blue Chevrolet Tahoe, which was recovered shortly after the robbery and was determined to have been reported stolen in Atlanta.

On October 7, 2010, a 1:00 p.m. robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred inside of a Mex-America Latino store, located at 641 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia. In that robbery, two black males, one with long black dreadlocks, waited inside of the above store for the courier to arrive. Upon arrival, the two robbers confronted the courier with handguns

On September 14, 2010, a robbery of a Garda Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1775 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia. Two black males approached the courier while he was servicing an ATM at that location. Both robbers were brandishing semi-automatic handguns. During that robbery, the courier was forced to the ground and his sidearm was taken by the robbers.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta FBI at (404) 679-9000.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Armored Car Robbery in Stone Mountain

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the individuals responsible for today’s (January 21) armed robbery of a Loomis Armored Car courier, which occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank, 4798 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

On Friday, January 21, 2011, at approximately 9:00 a.m., two couriers for the Loomis Armor Car were servicing an ATM located at a Wells Fargo bank, 4798 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia. One of the two couriers, while outside of their vehicle and servicing the machine, was suddenly approached and, without warning, fired on multiple times by an armed assailant.

The assailant was able to take the courier’s bag containing an undisclosed amount of money. Witnesses observed the gunman jump into a late 1980s or early 1990s Jeep Cherokee, white in color, and depart the area. The gunman is described as being a black male, 20s to late 30s in age, 5’8” -5’11” in height, medium build, medium complexion, slight facial hair, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brandishing a black semi automatic .40 caliber handgun. The driver of the getaway vehicle is described as being a black male, 20s to 30s in age wearing a light colored jacket with a fur collar.

The wounded courier was transported to a local area hospital where he underwent surgery as a result of the multiple gunshot wounds. Wells Fargo has announced a reward in this matter of up to $10,000.

The above robbery is believed to be connected to a string of five previous armored car courier robberies within the Metro Atlanta area as listed below:

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at approximately 11:15 a.m., two couriers for Dunbar Armored Car were inside the Mall of Georgia, Gwinnett County, servicing an ATM. One of the couriers was approached suddenly from behind and forced to the ground by an armed assailant. The second courier, observing this, fired on the assailant as he was departing the mall through a side door.

On Monday, November 29, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a courier for a Loomis Armored Car was robbed at gunpoint while servicing an ATM at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia.

The courier was approached from behind by a single robber who placed a semi automatic handgun to the courier’s head. The robber departed the area with an undisclosed amount of money and was seen getting into the back seat of a light blue or silver vehicle, described as being possibly a Buick, Oldsmobile, or Jaguar.

On November 11, 2010, a robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1500 Buford Highway, Buford, Georgia. In that robbery, the courier was robbed while servicing an ATM at that location. The courier was approached from behind by two black male suspects brandishing handguns. One of the robbers was described as having a gold upper tooth. The robbers were seen departing that robbery in a blue Chevrolet Tahoe, which was recovered shortly after the robbery and was determined to have been reported stolen in Atlanta.

On September 14, 2010, a robbery of a Garda Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1775 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia. Two black males approached the courier while he was servicing an ATM at that location. Both robbers were brandishing semi auto handguns. During that robbery, the courier was forced to the ground and his sidearm was taken by the robbers.

On October 7, 2010, a 1:00 p.m. robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred inside of a Mex-America Latino store, located at 641 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia. In that robbery, two black males, one with long black dreadlocks, waited inside of the above store for the courier to arrive. Upon arrival, the two robbers confronted the courier with handguns.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Robbery of Wells Fargo Bank Branch in Atlanta

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the assistance of the public in identifying and locating the individual responsible for the December 7 armed robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 2280 Cascade Road, Atlanta, Georgia.

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at approximately 9:40 a.m., a lone black male entered the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 2280 Cascade Road, Atlanta, Georgia, and, after initially being waited on by a customer service representative, discreetly announced a robbery. The robber, wearing an Ace-type medical bandage around his face and a sling on his left arm, displayed a weapon that he pulled from the arm sling, stating "you know what time it is." The robber then forced the bank employee to multiple teller stations where she was made to place money in a blue bag that he provided. During this process, the robber then openly displayed the weapon, a silver semi-automatic handgun, for the rest of the bank occupants to see.

After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the robber departed the bank without further incident. No vehicle associated with the robber was observed.

The robber is described as being a black male, 25-35 years in age, 5-‘6” to 5’8” in height, small build, weighing 140-145 lbs. He was wearing a dark blue with light blue striped rugby style long sleeved shirt, and an Ace bandage around his face with an additional bandage over his nose.

Wells Fargo Bank has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this individual.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

ATF Offers $10k Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- A reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and convictions of those responsible for a recent firearms armed robbery at Welsh Pawn Shop, a federally licensed gun dealer in Savannah, Ga. was announced today by Gregory K. Gant, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Savannah/Chatham County Crime Stoppers has pledged a reward of up to $2,500 for the arrest of those responsible for the robbery. The owners of Welsh Pawn have also announced an additional reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. This crime has triggered a joint investigation between ATF and the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department.

"The people of Savannah deserve a safe community. Unfortunately, there are a few violent individuals whose illegal activities threaten to diminish our quality of life. Gun thieves play a critical and deadly role in the chain of violence. ATF will continue to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to solve this crime," Gant said.

The armed robbery occurred around 10 a.m., Friday, at the business located at 2800 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, Ga. The suspects walked into the business, asked workers to view a few items, then started shooting. Two clerks were shot and received non life-threatening injuries. The robbers smashed glass cases and removed several items to include six firearms. The clerks could only identify the robbers as two black males, wearing dark clothing and baseball caps.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the subjects involved and providing information on the location of any or all of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or Savannah/Chatham County Crime Stoppers at (912) 234-2020. Callers can remain anonymous.

------
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

"Wig Wearing Bandits" Strike Again

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the assistance of the public in identifying and locating two armed bank robbers responsible for teh September 30 robbery of the Chase Bank, located at 1250 Tech Drive, Norcross, Georgia. A third individual, serving as the getaway driver for the two, is also being sought by authorities. These individuals are believed to be responsible for a series of recent takeover-style armed bank robberies within the metro Atlanta, Georgia area wherein the robbers would often be wearing shoulder-length black wigs.

On Thursday, September 30, 2010, at approximately 12:40 noon, two black males wearing masks entered the Chase Bank, located at 1250 Tech Drive, Norcross, Georgia. Customers were forced to the floor while one of the robbers stood by with a long weapon/machine pistol type firearm. The other robber approached the teller station and demanded money. The robbers did not, however, obtain any money and were observed departing in a gold colored Kia Spectra, recovered by law enforcement officers in an area behind the victim bank. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Dekalb County, Georgia on September 29, 2010.

As a result of today’s robbery, Wells Fargo has authorized a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these takeover robberies.

The robbers are described as follows:

* Robber #1 is described as a Black male, 20-30 years in age, 5’8”-5’10” tall
* Robber #2 is described as a Black male, 20-25 years in age. 6’0” tall

The driver of the vehicle was also described as being a black male.

Prior similar area robberies include:

* 7/27/10—Wachovia, Clairmont Rd, Atlanta/Dekalb County, GA. Two black males, wigs, guns, takeover style; 10:44 a.m.
* 7/30/10—Chase Bank, 5552 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA. Four males entered the bank, demanded money; two of the males were armed with pistols, and a third was armed with an assault rifle; described as black males, wearing dark clothing and ski masks; ranged in height from 5’5” – 5’10” tall; 10:15 a.m.
* 8/16 /10—Wachovia Bank, 3374 Holcomb Bridge Rd., (Holcomb Corners) Norcross, GA. Two black males, wearing wigs, displaying guns, take-over style robbery; 10:20 a.m.
* 8/20/10—Chase Bank, 1050 E. Piedmont Rd. (Piedmont Commons), Marietta, GA. Two black males, armed takeover-style robbery, wearing masks, no wigs; 1:11 p.m.
* 8/25/10—Wachovia Bank, 1280 Dogwood Rd, Conyers, GA. Two black males, wearing wigs, displaying guns, takeover robbery; 10:43 a.m.
* 8/26/10 – BB&T, Covington, GA. One black male, takeover-style robbery, stolen silver Lexus recovered.
* 8/27/10—Chase Bank, 2079 S. Hairston Rd. (Hairston Crossing) Decatur, GA. Two black males, guns displayed, takeover-style robbery, no wigs; 10:15 a.m.
* 9/8/10—Wachovia Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Armed Takeover Bank Robbery on Paces Ferry Rd

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the assistance of the public in identifying and locating the individuals believed to be responsible for today’s armed robbery at the Suntrust Bank, located at 4338 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia.

On Thursday, September 9, 2010, at approximately 9:23 a.m., two individuals entered the Suntrust Bank, located at 4338 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia, and brandished at least one handgun while announcing a robbery. No injuries were reported during the takeover-style robbery and, after obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the robbers were seen departing in a small black vehicle, possibly a Nissan Altima, with possible drive out-type license plates.

The robbers were described as follows:

Robber #1: Black male, early/mid 20’s in age, medium build, bald, mustache, wearing black gloves

Robber #2: Possible Hispanic male, early/mid 20’s in age, slender/medium build.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Former “Most Wanted Fugitive” Receives Two Life Sentences for Four-State Bank Robbery Spree

ANTHONY RAY ARTRIP, 38, of Ashland, Kentucky, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Harold L. Murphy to serve the remainder of his life in federal prison on charges of armed robbery of banks in Calhoun, Georgia; Mt. Airy, North Carolina; Princeton, West Virginia; Marmet, West Virginia; and Frenchtown Township, Michigan.

“Today’s sentencing puts an end to the criminal career of a man who brazenly made his way across half of the United States robbing banks and terrorizing citizens, and brings justice and closure to the many victims of his crimes,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.

Atlanta FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin said, “Artrip failed to take advantage of the many opportunities given to him to set his life on the proper path. Much effort and many resources from not only the FBI but other law enforcement entities were expended in investigating, tracking, and ultimately capturing him. It is with some sense of satisfaction that the criminal justice community, along with other potential victims, will not have to face Artrip on the streets again.”

ARTRIP was sentenced to serve two life sentences without the possibility of release under the federal “three strikes” law, and he was ordered to pay restitution to the banks he robbed in the total amount of $100,132.00. ARTRIP pleaded guilty to these charges on June 22, 2010.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: ARTRIP robbed the Regions Bank in Calhoun, Georgia, on the morning of September 27, 2007, when he walked into the bank, brandished a handgun, and jumped the teller counter to get money. While pointing the handgun at the tellers, ARTRIP told them not to worry and referred to them as “ladies” and “sweetie,” and even told them to have a good day when he left the bank with nearly $20,000.

The robbery of the Regions Bank in Calhoun, Georgia, was part of a several-month-long multi-state crime spree in the summer and fall of 2007, that began when ARTRIP escaped from the Grant County Detention Center in Williamstown, Kentucky, on June 24, 2007. Over the next three months, ARTRIP robbed banks in West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan, slipping away from near-capture by authorities many times. Shortly after his robbery of the Regions Bank in Calhoun, Georgia, ARTRIP narrowly escaped capture by police in Chattanooga, Tennessee. However, on October 8, 2007, ARTRIP’s luck ran out and he was captured by U.S. Marshals in a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hotel. According to reports, ARTRIP had crawled into an air vent to try and evade justice yet again, but Marshals evacuated the hotel and used tear gas to flush ARTRIP out. During this criminal odyssey, ARTRIP was placed on the U.S. Marshal’s Most Wanted List, and was featured on the television show “America’s Most Wanted.”

ARTRIP was indicted in the Northern District of Georgia on January 9, 2008, on one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. He was also indicted in other federal districts for the armed robbery of four other banks - two in West Virginia, one in Michigan, and one in North Carolina. ARTRIP agreed to have all of his federal cases transferred to Georgia for disposition, and he pleaded guilty to all of the charges pending against him.

This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Armed Robber Sentenced to Life in Prison

ADOLPHUS DIXON, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced January 7 by United States District Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr. to serve life in federal prison on charges of armed commercial robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and attempted bank robbery.

Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “After having been convicted twice of armed robbery, this defendant committed five more armed robberies, victimizing the stores that provide us with the basic supplies that we use in our daily lives. He violently robbed those stores with a gun and endangered the lives of hard working employees and unsuspecting customers. He will no longer be able to terrorize this community.”

DIXON was sentenced to life in prison under the federal “three-strikes” statute which requires federal judges to impose a life sentence when a person is convicted of a serious violent felony and the government proves that the person was convicted on separate prior occasions of two or more serious violent felonies. On October 16, 2009, DIXON was convicted of five counts of commercial robbery, five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and attempted bank robbery.

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: During a five-day period between September 10 and September 15, 2008, DIXON robbed three “Family Dollar” Stores, a “Super IGA” grocery store, a “Rite Aid” Pharmacy and attempted to rob a “SunTrust” bank. DIXON's co-defendant, CHRISTOPHER SMITH, 37, also of Atlanta, participated in the Family Dollar Store robberies in Atlanta, Georgia. During the Family Dollar Store robberies, DIXON and SMITH entered the stores, pretended to make a purchase and took money from cash registers after pointing a pistol at store cashiers. DIXON used a similar ruse during the armed robbery of a Super IGA grocery store in Atlanta, Georgia before pointing a pistol at a cashier and taking money from a cash register as other employees fled from the front of the store. Similarly, DIXON entered the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia and pretended to make a purchase before pointing a pistol at the cashier and removing cash from the register. DIXON also posed as a customer of a SunTrust Bank branch in Douglasville, Georgia and handed the bank teller a note demanding all the cash in the drawer. The bank teller was able to alert bank employees and DIXON fled the bank without receiving any money. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was able to identify DIXON and SMITH from video surveillance and descriptions of the robbers and the getaway vehicle which was registered to DIXON. Additionally, on September 12, 2008, officers with the Atlanta Police Department identified DIXON and SMITH during a traffic stop of a vehicle that matched descriptions of the getaway vehicle.

At sentencing, the Government proved that DIXON had two previous serious violent felony convictions for armed robbery and armed bank robbery in Georgia.

DIXON’s co-defendant, SMITH, was convicted of charges related to the three Family Dollar Store robberies on September 25, 2009, and was sentenced to serve 22 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Atlanta Police Department and the Douglasville Police Department.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Bank Robber Sentenced

Merkuri Stanback, age 28, was sentenced December 17, 2009, by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia to a total sentence of 480 months (40 years) without parole. Stanback had been previously convicted of Armed Bank Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon on September 17, 2009 in connection with the robbery of Park Community Federal Credit Union located on Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia.

On December 28, 2007, Stanback, along with two co-defendants entered the Park Community Federal Credit Union located on Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia brandishing a firearm. Stanback and his co-defendants restrained employees and ransacked the teller area. Stanback and the co-defendants robbed the contents of the bank vault and stole approximately $198,439.00. While in the process of fleeing, the robbers lost approximately $49,000 which was recovered in an adjoining parking lot. Macon Police Officers arrived and processed the crime scene.

A tip to the FBI lead to the search of a residence located at 1032 Main Street where the Defendant was residing. Macon Police Officers and FBI Agents recovered a majority of the stolen money as well as the firearms and clothing used in the robbery. Warrants were issued for Stanback who was later arrested in Pensacola, Florida by the United States Marshals Service.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia G.F. Peterman, III stated: “The sentence handed down by the Court sends a clear message that violent gun crime will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia. Anyone who commits a federal crime with a firearm will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. A sentence of 40 years' imprisonment without parole means that Stanback will not be released from federal prison well past his 65th birthday.”

The case as investigated by the Macon Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Marshals Service. Questions concerning this case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2602.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Seeking Information on Tucker, Georgia Bank Robbers

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, FBI Atlanta, requests the public’s assistance regarding information in Monday’s armed robbery of the Suntrust Bank, located at 3603 Chamblee Tucker Road, Tucker, Georgia.

On Monday, November 2, 2009, at approximately 10:16 a.m., two black males entered the Suntrust Bank, 2603 Chamblee Tucker Road, Tucker, Georgia, and announced a bank robbery. At least one of the robbers brandished a black semi automatic handgun. At one point during the robbery, one of the robbers placed the gun to the head of a bank customer and moments later pointed the gun directly at a bank teller. During this take-over style robbery, a bank employee was pulled from a side office and was shot in the leg.

The first robber is described as a being a black male, 6’0” -6’2” in height, slender build, facial hair, possibly wearing a wig, ballcap, and a distinctive orange long-sleeved shirt. The second robber is described as being a black male, 5’8” in height, stocky build. Both individuals, estimated to be in their late 20s or early 30s, were seen initially departing the bank on foot, crossing the main avenue in front of the bank, and getting into a black or dark blue mini van.

The FBI and Dekalb PD are investigating. Anyone with information should call the Atlanta FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

TJ Max Robbery Arrest

Three people are in custody for the Saturday, May 31, 2008 armed robbery of TJ Maxx (119 Pavilion Parkway, Fayetteville, Georgia).

The store manager reported that while taking the money collected from the cash registers to an office, two black males pushed her into the office at gun point and ordered her to open the safe. The two men took the money from the safe as well as the money from the cash registers then taped the manager to a chair and ran out of the office.

Another TJ Maxx employee observed four black males run out a door at the back of the store.
With help from the United States Marshals Fugitive Squad, the Atlanta Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Covington County Mississippi Sheriffs Office three men have been arrested.

Johnny Edison, a 30 year old, black, male, from Hampton, Georgia has been charged with party to a crime of kidnapping, party to a crime of aggravated assault, and party to a crime of armed robbery. Kevin Edison, 28 year old, black, male, from Taylorsville, Mississippi, has been charged with armed robbery. Lenard Barns, 29 year old, black, male, from Taylorsville, Mississippi, has been charged with armed robbery. Additional warrants and charges may be pending.
Johnny Edison is being held at the Fayette County Jail. Kevin Edison and Lenard Barns are being held in Covington County, Mississippi awaiting extradition.