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Bank Robber Sentenced

U.S. Attorney’s Office February 05, 2009
  • Eastern District of North Carolina (919) 856-4530

NEW BERN—United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court today Chief United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced FREDERICK ALANDO SMITH, 40, of Clayton, North Carolina, to 95 months’ imprisonment followed by three years supervised release.

A Federal Grand Jury returned a Criminal Indictment on May 22, 2008. At his arraignment on October 6, 2008, SMITH pled guilty to aiding and abetting a bank robbery. On January 2, 2008, SMITH entered the Heritage Bank in Smithfield, approached the teller counter and presented a demand note. The note stated, “Don’t make me hurt anyone. Just empty your drawer.” SMITH gave the teller a Christmas type gift bag in which to put the money. After the teller put the money in the bag, SMITH walked out of the bank, leaving behind the demand note. Another teller saw SMITH run behind some trees and then saw a white 4-door car, which was later learned had been driven by Dawn Delores Johnson, leave the area in a hurried speed. SMITH fled the bank with $1,679.00.

Photographs taken from the video surveillance cameras were distributed to the news media. An anonymous tip identified SMITH. Officers went to SMITH’s residence and the getaway car was in the driveway.

Officer’s also received a call from SMITH’s mother stating she had received calls from people telling her that the photographs in the paper and on TV looked like SMITH. SMITH’s mother stated that both SMITH and Johnson were living with her.

A jury found Johnson guilty on January 27, 2009 and her sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2009.

Mr. Holding commented: “I want to commend the officers and investigators who investigated this matter. And I want to acknowledge the critical help from the public in response to our requests. The result is a dangerous bank robber will spend substantial time behind bars.”

Investigation of the case was conducted by the Smithfield Police Department and the Raleigh-Durham Area Safe Streets Task Force, comprised of personnel from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Durham County Sheriff's Office, Durham Police Department, Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Felice McConnell Corpening served as prosecutor for the government.

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