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

Seeking Information on Armored Car Robberies

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the individuals responsible for the November 29 armed robbery of a Loomis armored car courier, which occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank, 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia.

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.

The robber is described as being a black male, late 20’s in age, 5’5” to 5’11” in height, medium build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black cap.

FBI agents are comparing the details of the above robbery to other similar Metro Atlanta area robberies, which include the following:

A September 14, 2010 robbery of a Garda Armored courier while 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.

An October 7, 2010, 1:00 p.m. robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier, which 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.

A November 11, 2010, robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier while 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, recovered shortly after the robbery and determined to have been reported stolen in Atlanta.

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

Seeking Information on Three Robberies in the Atlanta Metro Area

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 at least three bank robberies in metro Atlanta, Georgia.

On Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at approximately 10:43 a.m., two black males entered the Wachovia Bank, located at 1280 Dogwood Drive, Conyers, Georgia, brandishing handguns and disguising themselves with black wigs while announcing a robbery. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the robbers departed the bank without further incident.

These two robbers are also believed to be responsible for two additional armed robberies within the metro Atlanta area, the details of which are provided below:

On Monday, August 16, 2010, at approximately 10:30 a.m., two black males, armed with handguns, entered the Wachovia Bank located at 3374 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross, Georgia and proceeded to take over the banking center. Robber #1 vaulted over the teller counter, while Robber #2 remained in the lobby area, ordering other bank patrons to the ground at gunpoint. The armed robbers obtained an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the bank, possibly in a silver Lexus.

On Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at approximately 10:44 a.m., two black males, armed with handguns, entered the Wachovia Bank located at 2725 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia and announced a robbery. Robber #1 vaulted the teller counter, carrying a blue canvas bag and obtained an undisclosed amount of money from the teller stations. Robber #2, while brandishing a silver semi-automatic handgun, remained in the lobby of the bank and ordered customers to the ground. Both robbers departed the bank shortly thereafter without further incident.

The robbers are described as follows:

Robber #1 is described as a black male, 20-30 years in age, wearing a short black wig, glasses, and t-shirt.
Robber #2 is described as a black male, 20-25 years in age, wearing a shoulder length wig, black in color, shorts, work style boots, stocky build.

The robbers are believed to be traveling in a silver Lexus.

Both robbers brandished handguns throughout the robbery and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000 or Conyers PD at tel. (770) 929-4206.

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

Lawrenceville Man Arrested for Armed Bank Robbery

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, announces the arrest today of Christopher Watts, also known as Christopher Kanusie, age 24, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, in connection with today’s armed robbery of the Bank of America, located at 615 Pike Street, Lawrenceville, Georgia.

On Monday, May 3, 2010, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a lone black male entered the above Bank of America branch and presented tellers with a detailed demand note announcing a robbery. The lone male robber then made his way to the branch manager’s office wherein he brandished a handgun and made further demands for money. Units from the Lawrenceville Police Department responding to the bank arrived to find Christopher Watts, aka Christopher Kanusie, a native of Liberia, still in the bank lobby brandishing the handgun. Watts was taken into custody without incident and turned over to special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Watts is being charged federally with one count of bank robbery and one count of using a weapon in the commission of a crime.

Watts will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for his initial appearance on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The public should be reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

“Crown Royal Bandit” Sentenced to Over 100 Years in Jail

BRUCE ALLEN HUGHES, 48, of Blairsville, Georgia, was sentenced February 1 by United States District Judge Richard W. Story to serve 127 years in federal prison on charges of conspiracy to commit the armed robbery of 29 banks over 11 years, five counts of armed bank robbery, six counts of using a firearm during the commission of a violent felony, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of today’s sentence, “This defendant victimized unsuspecting customers and employees of dozens of banks over the course of a decade. Today’s sentence effectively and justly ends the reign of terror of the Crown Royal Bandit, leaving him to spend the rest of his days behind bars.”

HUGHES was sentenced to 127 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of approximately $300,000. HUGHES pleaded guilty to the charges on August 21, 2009.

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: HUGHES pleaded guilty to charges related to armed bank robberies that occurred between May 7, 1997, and February 21, 2008, in the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia. HUGHES, who was also known as “Brian Scott Hughes,” “Bruce Alan Hughes,” and “Bruce Allen Hughes,” participated in 29 armed bank robberies, many of which involved the use of a mask and the display of a gun, which was fired during two of the bank robberies.

The FBI and other agencies referred to the string of robberies as having been committed by the “Crown Royal Bandit” because in the first few bank robberies the robber used purple “Crown Royal” liquor bags to collect the cash. The charges also included one robbery and use of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony in the Middle District of Georgia (Athens). In total, HUGHES stole over $300,000 in the robberies.

HUGHES was charged in a second superseding indictment in the Northern District of Georgia in June 2009 on two counts of conspiracy to commit armed bank robberies, four counts of armed bank robbery, five counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Today, he was sentenced for all of those charges after pleading guilty in August 2009.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Significant assistance in this case was provided by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the Banks County Sheriff’s Department, the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.

-----
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

“Crown Royal Bandit” Pleads Guilty

BRUCE ALLEN HUGHES, 48, of Blairsville, Georgia, pleaded guilty this morning in federal district court to two counts of conspiracy to commit the armed robbery of 29 banks over 11 years, five counts of armed bank robbery, six counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “Today’s guilty plea will lead to a life sentence for one of the most prolific armed bank robbers ever to plague the citizens of Georgia. Never again will this violent criminal terrorize another teller or customer as he did over the last decade. Thanks to literally years of exhaustive investigation, the reign of the Crown Royal Bandit is over.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Greg Jones said, “The FBI is very pleased to close its case on the Crown Royal Bandit. The law enforcement resources expended on this investigation by the Atlanta FBI's Violent Crimes Squad were a necessary burden. The many bank employees and customers that bore the brunt emotionally of this defendant’s robberies can take some measure of satisfaction that he will now be off the streets and that the FBI stayed the course in the pursuit of justice.”

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: HUGHES pleaded guilty to charges related to armed bank robberies that occurred between May 7, 1997, and February 21, 2008, in the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia. HUGHES, who was also known as “Brian Scott Hughes,” “Bruce Alan Hughes,” and “Bruce Allen Hughes,” participated in 29 armed bank robberies, many of which involved the use of a mask and the display of a gun, which was fired during two of the bank robberies. The FBI and other agencies referred to the string of robberies as having been committed by the “Crown Royal Bandit” because in the first few bank robberies the robber used purple “Crown Royal” liquor bags to collect the cash. The charges include one robbery, and a charge of use of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony in the Middle District of Georgia (Athens). HUGHES stole a total of over $300,000 in the robberies.

HUGHES was charged in a second superseding indictment in the Northern District of Georgia in June of 2009 on two counts of conspiracy to commit armed bank robberies, four counts of armed bank robbery, five counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Today, he pleaded guilty to all of the charges in both Districts. He could receive a maximum sentence of life plus 175 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 147 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,500,000. 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.

A sentencing date for HUGHES has not yet been set before United States District Judge Richard W. Story.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Significant assistance in this case has been provided by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the Banks County Sheriff’s Department, the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.

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

Calvin Lee Stevenson, Jr. Sentenced to 42 Years for Convictions for Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence

Edmund A. Booth, Jr., United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that Calvin Lee Stevenson, Jr., indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2008, was sentenced June 22 in U.S. District Court in Augusta following his convictions by a jury in February 2009 of Conspiracy to Rob a Credit Union, Armed Robbery of a Credit Union, Carjacking and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.

Booth noted that the evidence at trial showed that in December, 2007 that Stevenson conspired with other individuals to rob the Richmond Community Federal Credit Union located at EZGO on Marvin Griffin Road in Augusta and that Stevenson carried out the plan when he and two other codefendants robbed the credit union of more than $30,000 in December, 2007. It was further proven by the evidence that immediately prior to the armed robbery that Stevenson and others carjacked a 74 year old victim and then used the carjacked vehicle during the commission of the armed robbery.

Booth stated that Stevenson was sentenced to a total of 42 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to Booth, Stevenson was sentenced to 5 years in prison for the conspiracy conviction, 10 years in prison for the armed robbery conviction, 10 years in prison for the carjacking conviction, and a mandatory minimum of 32 years in prison for the firearms convictions to run consecutive to the 10 year sentences.

The investigation involved the cooperative efforts of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; The government is being represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Patricia Green Rhodes and Stephen Inman.

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

Seeking Information in Armed Bank Robbery

Gregory Jones, Special Agent in Charge (SAC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Atlanta Division, along with the Dekalb County Police Department, are requesting the assistance of the public regarding information concerning the armed robbery Friday, June 5, 2009, at the Ironstone Bank, located inside of the Kroger grocery store, located at 3871 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia.

At approximately 10:20 a.m. this morning, a lone black male entered the above bank and brandished a black semi automatic handgun while calmly announcing a bank robbery. The robber waited patiently while he ordered the teller to pull money from multiple teller drawers at the bank. The robber, after spending an extended period of time at the bank branch, departed the bank without further incident, having obtained an undisclosed amount of money.

It is believed that this individual is also responsible for the 4/6/09 armed robbery of a Metro Atlanta area Suntrust Bank, located inside of a Publix grocery store.

The robber was described as follows:

Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 30's
Hgt: 6'0" -6'2"
Build: Medium
Misc: bright yellow construction type gloves, bright yellow construction helmet, dark framed prescription glasses, black semi auto handgun

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

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

Four Suspects Arrested for Metro Atlanta Armed Bank Robberies

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, FBI Atlanta, Chief Terrell Bolton, Dekalb County Police Department, and Chief Charles M. Walters, Gwinnett County Police Department, announce the arrests of four suspects in a string of armed bank robberies around Metro Atlanta over the last 2 weeks. Currently in custody are SHANTAVIA GLASS, 22, of Lithonia, WILLIAM BERK HARROLD, a.k.a. “MAN-MAN”, 18, also of Lithonia, and ZACHERY ANTONIO HARRIS, a.k.a. “MURDER” 20, of Ellenwood. Also arrested was a 16-year old male from Duluth, Georgia who is believed to have been a participant in the robberies. The FBI does not release the names of minors.

Following the release of photographs associated with Wednesday’s robbery of the Bank of America at 3040 Panola Road in Lithonia, GLASS turned herself in to the Dekalb County Police Department, where she was questioned by Dekalb County Investigators and Special Agents of the FBI. GLASS remains in custody at the Dekalb County Jail, but will probably be transferred to Federal custody later today (December 19).

HARROLD, HARRIS, and the 16-year old male fled Georgia along with two female acquaintances and the 2-year old child of one of those females. Based in large part on tips received from the public following Wednesday’s newscasts, they were eventually located in McComb, Mississippi. At approximately 4:00 am December 19, Officers of the McComb City Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle believed to be operated by the suspects, during which they arrested HARROLD and a 20-year old female acquaintance. Based on information gathered during the traffic stop, the McComb Police Department SWAT team was activated, and conducted a search of a room at the nearby Deerfield Inn in McComb. Inside that room, police arrested HARRIS and the 16-year old suspect.

All the suspects arrested in Mississippi are currently in the custody of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. It is expected they will also be eventually transferred to Federal custody.

The public can also review information concerning these and other bank robberies at www.georgiabankrobbery.com, an interactive site which provides bank robbery details, photographs, and the opportunity for the public to provide information to the FBI via the Internet.

The public is reminded that all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to More Than 167 Years in Prison

SOUKSAKHONE PHAKNIKONE, 26, a/k/a "Bruce Phaknikone," and "Trigga," of Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced December 18 by United States District Judge Richard W. Story on seven counts of armed bank robbery, seven counts of use of a firearm during the commission of the armed bank robberies, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of today's sentence, "Over a seven-month period in 2006 and 2007, this defendant terrorized people in banks across metro Atlanta. While his violent and aggressive tactics enabled him to victimize numerous unsuspecting bank tellers, the sentence he received today ensures that the remainder of his life will be spent behind bars. Innocent citizens will never again suffer from the gun-toting violence of this criminal."

PHAKNIKONE was sentenced to 167 years, 1 month in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $86,706. After a trial lasting approximately a week and a half, the jury convicted PHAKNIKONE of these charges on September 25, 2008.

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: PHAKNIKONE was arrested on April 6, 2007, after he robbed a Wachovia Bank in Suwanee, Georgia, and led police on a high speed chase that ended in a collision and his apprehension at gun point. The evidence at trial proved that on seven separate occasions, "Trigga" robbed banks wearing a ski mask, hoodie, gloves and carrying a semi-automatic firearm. In each robbery he vaulted the teller counter and personally grabbed the cash. Although he went to great lengths to conceal his identity, investigators recognized his signature actions, including jumping the counter in each of his robberies. Intensive investigation revealed PHAKNIKONE had visited a number of the banks without his mask to "case" and plan the robberies. Agents obtained bank surveillance photos from "Trigga's" pre-robbery visits to the banks, which in effect, removed his mask for the jury and revealed "Trigga's" true identity.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and police officers from the following departments: Suwanee Police Department, Lilburn Police Department, Duluth Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Department, and Barrow County Sheriff's Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Angela M. Jordan and Matthew T. Jackson prosecuted the case.

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

Armed Bank Robber Sentenced to Prison for over 25 Years

DONNIE ATKINS, 58, of Atlanta , Georgia , was sentenced November 7, 2008, by United States District Judge Marvin H. Shoob to over 25 years in federal prison on a charge of armed bank robbery.

“This defendant terrorized bank tellers and employees whose only mistake was to show up at the bank to do an honest day’s work,” said United States Attorney David E. Nahmias. “Then he brazenly and recklessly shot at Atlanta Police officers who arrived at the scene to stop the robbery. Fortunately, no officer or bank employee suffered any physical injuries. The sentence imposed on this defendant shows the harsh consequences for anyone who would dare to rob a bank at gunpoint, including significant time in federal prison.”

ATKINS was sentenced to 25 years, 8 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. ATKINS pleaded guilty to the charge on August 22, 2008.

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: On December 13, 2007 , at approximately 9:10 a.m. , ATKINS and an unidentified accomplice robbed the Capitol City Bank at gunpoint, located at 2358 Cascade Road , Atlanta. Employees of the bank noticed the two men as they approached the bank, and thought that the men looked suspicious because they were wearing sweatshirts with hoods covering their heads and faces. An armed security guard attempted to block their entry into the back door of the bank, but the men overpowered him, forced him to the ground, removed his weapon, and handcuffed him. The accomplice stayed with the guard during the robbery, keeping a gun pointed at the guard’s head. ATKINS forced at gunpoint bank employees who were hiding in a break room to come into the lobby and to lie on the floor. One of the employees was on the phone with an emergency dispatch operator when ATKINS came into the break room. ATKINS took more than $15,000 from the teller drawers. ATKINS demanded access to the vault, but the tellers told him that they did not have the keys to the vault. ATKINS began kicking the iron gate to the vault to gain access when his accomplice alerted ATKINS that two police cars had pulled up to the bank. ATKINS and his accomplice ran out of the bank and separated. Atlanta Police Department officers chased ATKINS, and he turned around and fired several shots at them. ATKINS continued to run and, as he attempted to shoot at the pursuing police officers again, he shot himself in the shoulder. At that point, ATKINS was taken into custody. ATKINS had all of the robbery money in a bag that he was carrying. Moreover, ATKINS also had on him a gun that was taken from the armed security guard at a robbery of the same bank on June 22, 2007.

ATKINS’ accomplice has not yet been located, and the FBI’s investigation and search continues. Anyone with information about the accomplice is asked to call the FBI at 404-679-9000.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul R. Jones prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact David E. Nahmias (pronounced NAH-me-us), United States Attorney, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney's Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan.

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

Army Rangers Sentenced for Conspiring to Rob Drug Traffickers

CARLOS LOPEZ, 30, and DAVID RAY WHITE, 32, both activeduty soldiers from Camp Frank D. Merrill, a United States Army Ranger mountain training facility in Dahlonega, Georgia, were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to rob a cocaine dealer at gunpoint. LOPEZ, the leader of the conspiracy, received a term of three years in federal prison; WHITE was ordered to serve two years in federal prison. Co-conspirators STEFAN ANDRE CHAMPAGNE and RANDY SPIVEY are scheduled to be sentenced for their roles in the scheme in September.

United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “This is a sad day. Soldiers who were willing to give their lives for this country are now convicted felons who will spend many months behind bars. Hopefully they have learned from their illegal and misguided actions.”

“These men were prepared to commit serious acts of gun-related violence on U.S. soil,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory K. Gant of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Atlanta Field Division. “Their intentions and actions could have resulted in far greater tragedy. As one defendant aptly admitted, they have fallen from the ranks of the elite, to the depths of convicted felons.”

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court:

In November of 2007, LOPEZ and an unindicted co-conspirator began to meet with a cooperating source and an undercover agent to discuss the possibility of robbing a cocaine stash house of at least 25 kilograms of cocaine. LOPEZ and his army colleagues were to provide the weapons and force necessary to subdue the occupants of the stash house. Later, co-defendant CHAMPAGNE joined in the meetings. Finally, in January 2008, coconspirators WHITE and SPIVEY accompanied LOPEZ and CHAMPAGNE to a final planning session with the undercover agent, when the logistics of the assault on the stash house were confirmed. These meetings were all surreptitiously recorded.

On January 24, 2008, LOPEZ, WHITE, and CHAMPAGNE, equipped with gloves, ski masks, handguns and an assault rifle, assembled at the rendezvous point, ostensibly to set out for the armed assault on the stash house. They were taken into custody and later admitted to all elements of the conspiracy. SPIVEY had stayed behind at Camp Merrill to “cover” for his co-conspirators’ absence to their superior officers.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Further assistance was provided by the Sandy Springs Police Department's Tactical Special Operations Group.

Assistant United States Attorneys Zahra Karinshak and Robert McBurney are prosecuting this case.

Wakefield Arrested in Riverdale

On Monday, June 23, 2008, Christopher Deangelo Wakefield was arrested by the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Wakefield had warrants out of the Fayetteville Police Department for the June 17, 2008 robbery of a vendor at the Village Market (765 North Glynn Street, Fayetteville, Georgia)

Wakefield was arrested without incident at a home in Riverdale, Georgia. The name and address of the residence is not being released at this time due to pending investigation.

The arrest warrants included Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, theft of a motor vehicle, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Fayetteville Police Capture One Suspect in Carjacking Attempt- Public Assistance Requested as Search Continues

On Monday, June 16, 2008 at 2:45 P.M. Officers from the Fayetteville Police Department responded to the report of an armed robbery. A vendor leaving the Village Market (765 North Glynn Street, Fayetteville, Georgia) was approached by two black males. The men pointed a gun at the vendor, took his keys and cell phone then ordered him into the trunk of their car (Silver Chevy Impala). The men then drove off in both their car and the victim’s car (Chevy Tahoe).

When the car stopped at a traffic light the victim pulled the emergency trunk release and jumped out of the car. He ran to a passerby’s and she let him in her car. They drove to the area of Pet Smart were the victim called 911 on the passerby’s cell phone.

After the victim got out of the car the two suspects fled the area. The driver of the Impala wrecked the car in on Pine Trail (Fayetteville, Georgia). A citizen witnessed the wreck and called 911. Officers responding to the wreck found both the Impala and the Tahoe. Both of the offenders fled the area on foot.

The Fayetteville Police Department and Fayette County Sheriffs Department with the assistance of the County Sheriffs Department K-9 Unit and Helicopter Unit began a search for the two men.

Travion Marquez Willis (17) was found and arrested in the area of Corinth Road (Fayetteville, Georgia). He has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Theft of a motor vehicle, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Arrest warrants have been taken out for Christopher Deangelo Wakefield (22). He is being charged with Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, theft of a motor vehicle, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The Fayetteville Police Department is asking that if you have any information about the robbery or location of Wakefield please contact us at 770-461-4441. Wakefield should be considered armed and dangerous.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Wakefield, Christopher Deangelo