Birmingham Man Indicted for Armed Bank Robbery of Regions Bank

BIRMINGHAM, AL—ELDRES DRAY DOWDELL, 30, of Birmingham, was indicted today on charges of armed bank robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during the robbery. The indictment is announced today by United States Attorney, Alice H. Martin and Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the indictment, on December 12, 2008, DOWDELL entered the Regions Bank located at 232 Warrior Road, and using a .38 caliber pistol, robbed the bank of approximately $27,077. Birmingham Police Officers apprehended DOWDELL shortly after he left the bank.

“Bank robbery is a high risk crime and a sure result, upon conviction, is federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.

“The quick action of local law enforcement officers brought about the apprehension of the defendant,” stated Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation. “With the cooperation of our local, state and federal officials, these crimes will be investigated and prosecuted.”

"Quick work by Birmingham Police Officers who tracked down the armed suspect was key to unraveling this case," stated ATF Special Agent in Charge James Cavanaugh. "Once again, the good work of the thin blue line".

DOWDELL is facing a maximum sentence of 25 years for the bank robbery, in addition to a minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years for the firearm use during the robbery.

This matter was investigated by Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and in conjunction with the City of Birmingham Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Montminy will be prosecuting this matter on behalf of the United States.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. 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.