Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Federal grand jury indicts seven scarecrow bandits suspected of bank robberies in Dallas

By Pegasus News wire

The day after seven individuals were arrested after a foiled bank robbery in Garland, a federal grand jury in Dallas has indicted all seven individuals and charged them with conspiracy and firearm charges, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. This group of individuals was dubbed the "Scarecrow Bandits" by the FBI because during the first robberies they are believed to have committed, they wore loose shirts and floppy hats. During later robberies they are believed to have committed, however, their outfits changed to mostly black gear.

U.S. Attorney Roper said, "This is another great example of cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement. As a result, these dangerous criminals will be brought to justice and the streets of our communities are safer."

The indictment charges each of the following defendants with one count of each of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence:

• Corey Deyon Duffey, a.k.a. "Keyno," a.k.a. "Calvin Brown," 27
• Tony R. Hewitt, a.k.a. "PricelessT," 42
• Jarvis Dupree Ross, a.k.a. "Dookie," a.k.a."Dapree Dollars," 29
• Darobie Kentay Stenline, a..k.a. "Fish," a.k.a. "Dude White," 30
• Charles Runnels, a.k.a. "Junior," 42
• Antonyo Reece, a.k.a. "Seven," 31
• Yolanda McDow, 41

The indictment alleges that on or about June 2, 2008, the defendants conspired together to commit bank robbery. As part of the conspiracy the discussed and planned with each other the robbery of the Regions Bank located at 2245 West Campbell Road in Garland. They formulated a plan that included, among other things, acquiring U.S. currency, using weapons to intimidate bank employees and customers, selecting the bank to be robbed in Garland, acquiring and using a stolen vehicle to commit the robbery, the role each would play in the robbery, and plans to avoid detection and apprehension by law enforcement.

The indictment further alleges that on June 2, the defendants traveled together to the Regions Bank, with a stolen vehicle and firearms, with the express intent to rob the bank.

An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. If convicted however, the conspiracy count carries a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the firearm count carries a maxim statutory sentence of life in prison without parole, and a $250,000 fine. Restitution may be ordered by the Court.

While stating that the investigation is ongoing, U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative efforts of the Dallas, Richardson, Garland and Plano Police Departments and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Tromblay, Jerri Sims, and John Kull.

Source: Department of Justice

Related stories

• “Scarecrow bandits” who robbed banks in Dallas have crime-ridden pasts (June 5, 2008)

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• Crime > Burglary / Robbery / Theft