Garland County Jail Escapee Appears in Court on Federal Charges

HOT SPRINGS, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Derrick Estell, age 33, appeared today in United States Magistrate Court for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge James Marschewski on charges for bank robbery, carjacking, and possession of a firearm.

U.S. Attorney Eldridge commented, “As alleged, this case indicates a violent course of conduct that we must take a stand against. We will remain focused on prosecuting crimes involving violence or the threat of violence to the fullest extent of the law. The safety of our communities demands this commitment.”

On July 31, 2013, a federal grand jury issued an indictment against Estell charging one count of carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of crime of violence (carjacking), and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 30, 2013, a superseding indictment was issued against Estell charging one count of bank robbery of Hot Springs Bank & Trust and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (bank robbery).

This case is being investigated by the Garland County Sheriff’s Office; the Hot Springs Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris is prosecuting the case for the United States.

The charges in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.