March 10, 2015

Pottstown Pair Charged in Attempted Bank Robbery

James Garner, 30, and Ruben Marshall, 48, both of Pottstown, PA, were charged today with conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Garner is also charged with attempt to commit armed bank robbery.

According to the indictment, on February 6, 2015, Garner approached Person #1 about robbing the Apex Community Federal Credit Union in Stowe, PA. On February 10, 2015, Marshall allegedly met with Garner to discuss details of the robbery plan. The indictment further alleges that on February 12, 2015, Garner assembled the tools necessary to rob the bank—including masks, two-way radios, gloves, and a handgun—but was arrested that night by the FBI before he could complete the robbery the following morning, as planned.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum of life in prison, with a minimum mandatory sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. LaBar.