A federal grand jury has indicted four individuals for their alleged roles in the armed robbery of a Brink’s truck in Madison. The indictment, returned on Wednesday, charges Lee O. Griffin, Jr., 23, from Cahokia Heights, with multiple offenses including conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and arson.
Antonio T. Harris, 23, and Patrick D. Johnson, 26, both from St. Louis, face charges of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. Taneisha M. Davis, 29, from East St. Louis, is charged with arson related to setting the getaway vehicle on fire.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who victimize employees with brazen attacks who are simply trying to do their jobs,” stated U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
Court documents reveal that Harris and Johnson allegedly robbed two Brink’s employees servicing an ATM in Madison on December 5th last year. They were reportedly armed and took cash as well as firearms from the employees.
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson highlighted the importance of law enforcement partnerships: “The effective identification and arrest of the alleged subjects is an example of why law enforcement partnerships are vital to our communities.”
Griffin is accused of driving the getaway car which was later found abandoned and set ablaze in Washington Park. Both Griffin and Davis are accused of conspiring to destroy evidence by setting fire to the vehicle.
“People should not fear for their lives when they go to work each day,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly regarding public safety efforts.
Robbery convictions can lead up to 20 years’ imprisonment while brandishing a weapon carries a sentence ranging from seven years up to life imprisonment.
Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor praised law enforcement agencies for their swift action: “The Citizens of Madison County should be proud of how Law Enforcement agencies teamed together...”
An indictment serves as a formal charge; defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The investigation is led by the Springfield FBI Field Office with assistance from Illinois State Police among others while Assistant U.S Attorney John Trippi prosecutes this case.