MADISON, WIS. - Three individuals have been charged in a federal indictment with a series of bank robberies that took place in Dane County in January and February 2018. The announcement was made by Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, FBI Special Agent in Charge Justin Tolomeo, Madison Police Chief Michael Koval, Fitchburg Police Chief Chad Brecklin, Sun Prairie Police Chief Patrick Anhalt, and Middleton Police Chief Charles Foulke. The indictment was returned today by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison.
U.S. Attorney Blader said, “Prosecuting violent crimes such as these are a priority for my office. These indictments were brought as part of the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative which brings federal and local law enforcement together to target violent crime and create safer communities. My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute violent criminals who pose a threat to the citizens of Wisconsin."
“Bank robberies, especially those involving guns, are not just crimes against financial institutions. They terrify bank employees and customers," said Special Agent in Charge Tolomeo. “The FBI will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to address these violent crimes."
The indictment charges Jonathan Thompson, 29, Kiefah Marbra, 18, both of Madison, Wisconsin, and Robert Minette, 31, Shakopee, Minnesota, with bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during eight of these nine crimes of violence. The robbery for which there is no brandishing a firearm charge is the one committed on January 8.
The indictment charges nine bank robberies, each of which was allegedly committed by two or more of the three defendants. Thompson is charged with committing all nine bank robberies, and brandishing a firearm during eight of the robberies. Marbra is charged with committing eight of the bank robberies and brandishing a firearm during each of these robberies. Minette is charged with committing two bank robberies and brandishing a firearm during one robbery.
The dates, locations and defendants for the robberies are:
1. January 8, 2018 - Old National Bank, Cottage Grove Road, Madison; Defendants: Minette and Thompson
2. Jan. 26, 2018 - Chase Bank, Milwaukee Street, Madison; Defendants: Marbra, Minette and Thompson
3. Jan. 30, 2018 - Associated Bank, Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg; Defendants: Marbra and Thompson
4. Feb. 2, 2018 - Old National Bank, Midvale Boulevard, Madison; Defendants: Marbra and Thompson
5. February 8, 2018 - Associated Bank, Monroe Street, Madison; Defendants: Marbra and Thompson
6. Feb. 13, 2018 - Old National Bank, Main Street, Sun Prairie; Defendants: Marbra and Thompson
7. Feb. 19, 2018 - Associated Bank, Allen Boulevard, Middleton; Defendants: Marbra and Thompson
8. Feb. 22, 2018 - Wells Fargo, University Avenue, Middleton; Defendants: Marbra and Thompson
9. Feb. 22, 2018 - U.S. Bank, East Towne Boulevard, Madison; Defendants: Marbra and Thompson
Marbra and Thompson were arrested in Madison on March 1 at separate locations. Minette was arrested in Minnesota on March 23.
If convicted, Marbra, Minette, and Thompson each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each bank robbery charge. The charges of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carry a mandatory penalty of seven years on the first charge, and a mandatory 25 years in federal prison on each consecutive charge. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for these charges be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the bank robbery charges.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
