Bank and Pharmacy Robber Sentenced to 44 Years

Raynard Versatile Crowe, 31, formerly of Hazel Park, was sentenced yesterday to 535 months in federal prison, following his conviction on March 21, 2013, by a jury in Detroit on charges of bank robbery, pharmacy robbery, using a firearm during a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Arthur J. Tarnow.

The evidence presented at trial established that Crowe, on parole for assault with intent to rob while armed, conspired with six other people to commit bank robbery and pharmacy robbery with firearms during the spring and summer 2011. The crew robbed the Grosse Pointe Woods branch of Citizens Bank on May 18, 2011, and the Ferndale Pharmacy on July 11, 2011.

U.S. Attorney McQuade said, “Violent criminals who use guns can expect to face long prison sentences. Armed robberies risk a loss of life that we cannot tolerate.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Foley said, “Violent criminals who use guns to threaten lives during robberies and other crimes will face severe penalties for their illegal acts. The FBI is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities.”

The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI, the Warren Police Department, the Ferndale Police Department, and the Grosse Pointe Woods Department of Public Safety. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Chadwell.