Tampa Couple Faces Conspiracy Charges Related to a Series of Bank Robberies

TAMPA—Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Immanuel Lee Williams (28) and Cara Lee Williams (28), both of Tampa, have been arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery. If convicted on all charges, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

According to the criminal complaint, from December 5, 2012 to date, Immanuel Lee Williams and Cara Lee Williams conspired to rob 13 federally insured banks in the Middle District of Florida and two federally insured banks in Alabama. To carry out the robberies, both are alleged to have worn disguises and used notes demanding money from the banks. Additional details are set forth in the attached criminal complaint.

Both individuals made their initial appearances in Tampa earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli. A bond hearing is set for Cara Lee Williams on November 14, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. Immanuel Lee Williams reserved on the matter of bond and is being held without bail.

A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tampa Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocala Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph W. Swanson.