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Press Release

Everett Man Charged with Armed Bank Robbery

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – An Everett man has been charged in connection with committing armed bank robbery.

Jamaine Howell, 35, was charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Howell made an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. Howell has been in state custody since his arrest on state charges on Feb. 16, 2021.

According to charging documents, on Feb. 7, 2021, Howell entered a branch of TD Bank on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston and gave a demand note and a plastic bag to the teller. Howell threatened the teller and stated that he had a gun. Howell then allegedly threatened two bank customers and displayed a firearm. After taking his plastic bag – now containing about $5,900 – from the teller, Howell instructed one of the customers to come with him and led the customer out of the bank. After walking about a block with Howell, the customer managed to flee while the defendant was distracted.

It is further alleged that, later that week, police received a report that Howell brandished a firearm at a guest at a hotel in Sharon. On Feb. 16, 2021, police officers arrested Howell, and found him armed with a loaded .45 caliber Ruger handgun. Police also found a loaded semi-automatic shotgun in a vehicle that had previously been rented to Howell.

The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence provides for an additional sentence of five years to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston, Sharon and Lynn Police Departments provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and Charles Dell’Anno of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated March 12, 2021

Topic
Violent Crime