Yesterday, Akin Zhon Wofford, a 29-year-old resident of Oklahoma City, received a federal prison sentence of 135 months for charges related to armed bank robbery and the possession and brandishing of a firearm during a violent crime. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The case against Wofford began on February 7, 2023, when a federal grand jury indicted him on two counts: armed bank robbery and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On August 21, 2024, he was found guilty on both counts by a federal jury.
Trial evidence revealed that on November 7, 2022, Wofford entered City National Bank and Trust in Oklahoma City. After waiting briefly in the lobby, he brandished a firearm, leaped over the teller counter, threatened an employee with the weapon, and demanded money. He then took cash from the teller drawer before fleeing the scene. An investigation traced the getaway vehicle back to Wofford leading to his arrest on November 18, 2022.
U.S. District Judge David L. Russell delivered the sentence at a hearing held on January 9, 2025. The judge ordered Wofford to serve his time followed by three years of supervised release. The court emphasized the seriousness of the offense due to its inherent risk and noted Wofford's history of violence as factors influencing the sentencing decision.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Stanley J. West were responsible for prosecuting this case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which unites various levels of law enforcement with community efforts to combat violent crime and gun violence effectively while ensuring safer neighborhoods for all residents. The Department launched an enhanced strategy for reducing violent crime under PSN on May 26, 2021.
Further details can be found in public records related to this case.