The third individual involved in the June 2023 robbery of Carter Bank and Trust in Roanoke has pled guilty. Tishawn Simpson, 25, admitted guilt to one count of bank robbery last week in U.S. District Court.
Court documents reveal that on June 22, 2023, Simpson and Demonte Belcher entered the bank masked, carrying a blue bank bag and a green plastic bag. They presented a note to the teller which read: "[l]ets make everything right you have least (sic) than 30 seconds to give me $50K or die got nothing to lose." The robbers left with $8,659 but abandoned the demand note at the scene. Simpson was later identified through DNA analysis from one of the masks recovered by law enforcement.
Ramel Abrams did not enter the bank but was implicated when his fingerprints were discovered on the demand note. Clothing worn by both robbers was found in his apartment. Additionally, phone records placed Abrams near Carter Bank & Trust before the robbery.
All three men have confessed their involvement. Belcher received a sentence of 37 months in federal prison in August, while Abrams was sentenced to 30 months in December. Simpson's sentencing is scheduled for May.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee announced this development alongside Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Scott Booth, Chief of Roanoke City Police Department.
The investigation is being conducted by Roanoke City Police Department and FBI with assistance from various local law enforcement agencies including Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Parrella and M. Coleman Adams are leading the prosecution efforts.