Omaha Man Convicted in Connection with Armored Car Robbery

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department all announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release:

On November 23, 2009, Danny Reaves, age 34 of Omaha, was convicted by a United States District Court jury in connection with the armed robbery of an armored car in May of 2009. Reaves was convicted of: (1) Obstructing Interstate Commerce by Robbery; and (2) Use of a Firearm During the Commission of the Robbery. The jury returned verdicts of guilty as to each count.

On May 1, 2009, a Rochester Armored truck was robbed as it was parked outside the Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, 7414 North 30th Street. As the guard returned to the truck he was tasered by two assailants. The taser was not effective. The guard unholstered his weapon and gunshots were exchanged between the guard and the robbers. The guard suffered a gunshot wound to his leg but was sure that he had wounded at least one, if not both, of the robbers.

The robbers took two bags containing approximately $31,000 in cash from the ground where it had been dropped by the guard. They fled the parking lot in a white van that was located later that evening near 66th and State Streets. The van had been set on fire.

Blood at the scene of the robbery was identified through DNA testing as that of Reaves. Reaves sought medical attention in East St. Louis, Illinois, on the evening of the robbery claiming that he had been shot in East St. Louis. He was treated for a “through and through” gunshot wound to his left wrist and a graze wound to his right arm.

After accepting the verdicts of the jury the Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Chief United States District Judge, deferred a presentence investigation pending Reaves’ next scheduled trial. Reaves will be tried on February 4, 2010, for robbery and use of a firearm during the robbery in connection with the January 21, 2009, armed robbery of the TierOne Bank branch located at 8820 Arbor Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

United States Attorney Deborah Gilg lauded the investigative efforts of the FBI and Omaha Police Department and added “Omaha is a safer place as a result of this verdict.”

Name of Defendant: Danny Reaves

AKA:

Age: 34

City of residence: Omaha

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Obstructing Interstate Commerce by Robbery; Use of a Firearm During the Commission of the Robbery; Up to 20 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, up to $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment on the Obstructing Interstate Commerce by Robbery and 10 years mandatory minimum - life, consecutive to all other sentences; five years’ supervised release; up to $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment on the Use of a Firearm During the Commission of the Robbery.

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Omaha, Nebraska

Location of Arrest: Omaha, Nebraska

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: $31,000.00

Others Charged in Same Scheme:

Relevant Dates:

Date of Alleged Crime: May 1, 2009

Federal Arrest Date: May 8, 2009

Date Complaint Issued: May 8, 2009

Indictment Returned Date: May 21, 2009

Initial Appearance Date: June 3, 2009

Plea or Trial and Date(s): Trial held November 17-23, 2009

Sentencing Date: To be determined

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: February 4, 2010

Assigned Magistrate Judge: The Honorable F.A. Gossett, III

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: Held

In Continuous Custody Since: May 8, 2009

Assigned District Court Judge: The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: MPN