Three men convicted in federal court on robbery charges

Led law enforcement officials on high speed chase trying to escape

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that three men were convicted in federal court on bank robbery charges after a five-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Duprece Jett 38, Indianapolis, Damion McKissick, 38, Fort Wayne and Earl Lee Walker, 38, Fort Wayne were all convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted bank robbery.

“The reign of terror for these three men is over,” said Minkler. “Those who put our citizens in harm’s way and disrupt commerce in Central Indiana will be held accountable.”

Jett and McKissick, dubbed the Rick James robbers due to their long hair and sunglasses disguise, began their conspiracy in September of 2015, with the robbery of the Advanced America Check Cashing Service in the 5600 block of Georgetown Road in Indianapolis. That incident was followed by the robberies of the Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) on Wesleyan Road in Indianapolis on September 19, 2015, and in Avon, Indiana on November 19, 2015.

On December 12, 2015, Jett, McKissick and Walker attempted to rob the IMCU near East 96th St and Grey Road in Carmel but law enforcement officials intervened. The trio fled, setting off a car chase that went into Hamilton, Marion and Boone counties reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph, swerving in and out of traffic and running traffic signals. The pursuit ended near the intersection of US 421 and IN 32, where all were apprehended.

Sentencing for all three is scheduled for May 2017.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley P Shepard and Peter Blackett, who both prosecuted this case for the government, all defendants could face up to 40 years’ imprisonment.