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Press Release

Crips Gang Member Sentenced To More Than 15 Years In Federal Prison For Leading Bank Robbery Crew And For Being A Felon In Possession Of A Firearm

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado
Eric Coleman was a leader of the Rolling 60s Crips who recruited minors to participate in the robberies

DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Eric Coleman, age 43, and a leader of the Rolling 60s Crips, was sentenced to serve 188 months (over 15 years) in federal prison for bank robbery and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Coleman appeared remotely in custody and was remanded at the hearing’s conclusion.  The FBI joined in today’s announcement. 

According to the stipulated facts contained in his plea agreement, as well as the government’s argument at sentencing, Coleman was a member and leader of the Rolling 60s Crips, and a mastermind of a multi-defendant bank robbery operation.  Coleman actively recruited and manipulated juveniles to carry out the actual robberies.  He made juvenile and younger gang members put on makeup and use a firearm to rob the banks. 

For example, on March 14, 2018, the ENT Federal Credit Union in Colorado Springs, Colorado was robbed.  After the robbery, law enforcement learned that Coleman had picked up the robber -- a co-defendant -- from the credit union, driving them away from the scene.  The four individuals involved in these robberies, including Coleman, met up at a fast food restaurant where the robber gave the firearm to Coleman and the money was divided.   

On April 30, 2018, law enforcement stopped four individuals who were planning to commit another bank robbery.  Officers found an individual wearing makeup. The manner in which the makeup was being worn matched several recent bank robberies and business robberies.  During interviews following the stop, law enforcement learned that Coleman would hand the bank robber a firearm for the robbery.  A subsequent search of Coleman’s residence resulted in officers finding three firearms, including one in a bag with Mr. Coleman's prescription medication, directly tying him to the weapon. 

All seven of the defendants have pleaded guilty, and three of the seven defendants have been sentenced. 

In addition to the bank robbery, Coleman was a felon in possession of three firearms, including:  a .38 caliber revolver; a .40 caliber pistol; and a 9mm rifle. Prior to the firearms being discovered, Coleman had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, making it illegal for him to have possessed the firearms.     

“Bank robbery, especially with a weapon, is a violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “In this case, Mr. Coleman used his position as a gang leader to recruit minors to do his dirty work.  He will now serve a lengthy prison sentence appropriate for someone who orchestrated and led others to commit these crimes.” 

“The success of this investigation is largely attributed to the close working relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement and our Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The collaborative effort to address violent crimes, such as bank robberies, within our local communities is just one example of how highly the FBI values its partnerships and the critical role these relationships play in making our community safer.”

The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez on August 19, 2020.  The guilty plea was entered on March 5, 2020.  This case was investigated by the Colorado Springs FBI.  Local law enforcement, including the Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, assisted with the investigation.  The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Bohn.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.  Related court documents can be found on PACER by searching for Case Number 18-cr-360.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Contact

Jeff Dorschner
Spokesman, Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado

Updated August 24, 2020

Topic
Violent Crime
Press Release Number: Case Number 18-cr-360