2 Men Charged With Bank Robbery

Many people think of robbing a bank as a way to get easy money. However, bank robbery is a felony crime that can result in decades in prison. And bank robbers almost always get caught thanks to surveillance cameras, anti-theft devices and fast-acting law enforcement officials.

This was what happened on the afternoon of October 9 when two Maryland men demanded money from a teller at a Hebron Savings Bank in Cambridge. A man was acting suspicious when he walked into the bank. He demanded money via a handwritten note.

The employee complied, handing over an unknown amount of cash inside an envelope. The envelope also contained a GPS locator pack to help police track down the location of the money. The man got his note back and left the bank.

Officers responded to the robbery and used surveillance footage from the bank to locate the suspect’s vehicle. Police used the GPS locator to track down the direction of the vehicle before they lost the locator’s signal

Law enforcement officials found the suspect’s car near Vienna. The driver was identified as a 29-year-old William Ward, Jr. of Princess Anne and the passenger was identified as Clarence Ward, Jr., 27, of Crisfield. Clarence was the one who entered the bank.

Both men were charged with robbery and other crimes. They are being held at the Dorchester County Detention Center. This was the third robbery at a Hebron Savings Bank this year, with two others occurring in Salisbury.

Understanding How Bank Robberies are Charged

A person who robs a bank can be charged with robbery as well as related crime such as conspiracy to commit robbery. Conspiracy charges are often used when two or more people agree to commit robbery and take the steps to do so. Even if different people play different roles in the robbery, they will all be charged with the same offense.

Banks often take certain security measures to help law enforcement officials catch bank robbers. Most have video cameras that can help police identify suspects and their vehicles. Bank tellers may also use “dye-packs” that release dye onto the cash a robber is given. Sometimes witnesses will also identify robbers and follow them until the police arrive.

A bank robbery requires that force or fear was used, and using a note meets this requirement. Punishment varies, depending on many factors. The most important factor is the amount of money taken from the bank. If there were victims or a firearm used, those factors will be taken into consideration. So will the person’s criminal history and background.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Bank robbery is a serious crime, resulting in felony charges. You need to protect yourself with the best defense possible.

Your freedom is in jeopardy, but the aggressive representation from the Columbia robbery & burglary attorneys at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can defend you from a conviction. Schedule a free consultation by calling (410) 774-5987 or filling out the online form. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2020/10/11/crisfield-princess-anne-men-charged-cambridge-bank-robbery/5960092002/