Douglas, Georgia Man Charged With Armed Robbery Of Wells Fargo Bank

WAYCROSS, GA – Nevada Powell, 33, pled not guilty yesterday before a Federal Magistrate Judge on to charges of Armed Bank Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.  Powell was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah earlier this month.  According to the indictment, Powell stole approximately $38,000 from the Wells Fargo bank on April 16, 2014 “by force, violence and intimidation,” which included the use of a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun and a simulated explosive device.  The indictment also alleges that prior to the robbery Powell had been convicted of a felony offense.  The charges follow an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Douglas Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.  Powell has been ordered to remain in custody pending trial.

 United States Attorney Edward Tarver commented: “Our citizens should be able to patron local businesses free from the threat of violence.  The United States Department of Justice and this United States Attorney’s Office consider the cessation of violent crime and the protection of American citizens to be its top priority.  We will continue to vigorously prosecute this type of activity when it occurs within federal jurisdiction.”

J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Mr. Powell is now federally charged with a serious armed robbery wherein he also left behind a hoax IED/explosive device for law enforcement to deal with.  The FBI is appreciative of the quick response by the Douglas Police Department and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office that led to Powell’s capture as well as the hard work of the GBI in the handling of that hoax IED. “

An indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt.  The Defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove the Defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer G. Solari is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.  For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.