A Macon resident, Felix Cordes, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for his involvement in a series of bank robberies, according to a statement released by Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. Cordes, aged 58, was implicated in two successful robberies and one attempted robbery at Macon credit unions in 2022. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell, and Cordes was ordered to pay $38,274 in restitution. Booker emphasized that "criminal offenders who instill fear in our community by conducting bank robberies will face consequences for their actions."
The first robbery occurred on April 2, 2022, at the MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union in Macon, where Cordes disguised himself in overalls, a bandana, and sunglasses. He approached bank tellers with a handgun, demanded cash, and left with the money. He reportedly used some of the stolen funds to purchase cell phones at a Boost Mobile store. By May 2, 2022, Cordes, with an accomplice, committed another robbery at the Central Georgia Regional Credit Union, wearing blue latex gloves.
The crime spree culminated in an unsuccessful attempt on May 24, 2022, at another MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union location, where the staff's quick response to lock down the premises thwarted the robbery. Law enforcement found items consistent with the robberies, including the disguise and ammunition, at a residence associated with Cordes.
According to Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, "Cordes terrified innocent employees and customers at three businesses throughout his crime spree," and it was fortunate that no physical harm occurred. Bibb County Sheriff David Davis described Cordes as "a ruthless and relentless criminal" and expressed relief at his capture and sentencing.
The investigation involved the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, while the prosecution was conducted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom.