Grand Jury Charges Peoria Man with Four Robberies

PEORIA, IL—A federal grand jury today charged David E. Morris, 48, of Peoria, Ill., with committing four robberies in July and August: robbery of Dollar General on July 20, 2011; robbery of Streibich’s Hardware Store on Aug. 17; robbery of Redbrand Credit Union, 201 East Lake Street, Peoria, Ill., also on Aug. 17; and robbery of the same Redbrand Credit Union on Aug. 29.

Morris, of the 1100 block of E. Willcox, was arrested on state charges by the Peoria Police Department on Sept. 2, 2011, prior to the case being transferred to federal court in cooperation with the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint on Sept. 6, charging Morris with the robberies of the credit union. Morris appeared before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid on Sept. 7, and waived detention and preliminary hearings. Morris remains detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The indictment charges Morris with two counts of obstruction of commerce by robbery, commonly known as the Hobbs Act, and with two counts of bank robbery. If convicted, each offense carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

The charges were investigated by the Peoria Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Darilynn J. Knauss.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.