Two Indicted for Alabaster Bank Robbery

BIRMINGHAM—A federal grand jury today indicted two men in connection with the May robbery of Regions Bank in Alabaster, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, FBI Special Agent in Charge Patrick Maley and Alabaster Police Chief Stanley Oliver.

A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges NATHAN PARKE BATEMAN, 26, of Alabaster, and ROBERT ANDRE MORTON, 25, of Meridian, Miss., with armed bank robbery and two associated federal firearm violations.

“Innocent people’s lives were put at risk when two gunman robbed the Alabaster bank in May,” Vance said. “Alabaster police are to be commended for their quick and effective response, which led to the immediate capture of the two suspects.”

Bateman and Morton stand accused of committing armed robbery at the Alabaster branch office of Regions Bank on May 21. In addition, both men are charged with carrying firearms during the course of the robbery. Because of a previous felony conviction, Bateman also has been indicted for illegal possession of a firearm.

Conviction for the bank robbery charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of carrying a firearm during the robbery, each man faces an additional and consecutive prison term of seven years. Should Bateman be convicted of illegal gun possession, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by Alabaster Police and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Simpson.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.