Last Man Sentenced in Attempted Armored Car Robbery

HOUSTON—James Patrick Campbell, 26, has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Campbell pleaded guilty October 3, 2012, to the conspiracy to rob an armored car operated by Loomis Armored U.S. Inc.

Today, U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison handed Campbell a total sentence of 41 months in federal prison.

Also charged in the crime and previously sentenced were Malcolm Jamal Austin, 25; Terrance Saffore, 25; and William Terrell Archer, 22; all of Houston. Saffore was sentenced to 51 months, and Archer was sentenced to 63 months. Austin was sentenced to 12 months plus 10 years for discharging a weapon, for a total of 132 months.

Campbell admitted he was part of a conspiracy to rob a Loomis armored car as it was about to leave a Bank of America at 12188 Gulf Freeway in Houston on June 22, 2011. Campbell had previously worked for Loomis and provided information regarding driver protocols to the co-conspirators.

On June 22, 2011, Saffore drove Archer and Austin to the bank in a white Grand Prix that was owned by Campbell. Archer went into the bank prior to the robbery. Austin then approached the guard, demanded money, and reached for a gun. The guard discharged his weapon and shot Austin three times. Austin also fired but did not strike the guard. During the robbery, Campbell was waiting around the corner in another vehicle.

Once shots were fired, Archer ran back to Campbell’s nearby apartment. After the failed robbery attempt and shooting, Austin and Saffore fled the scene in Campbell’s vehicle.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennie Basile.