MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony D. Jones, 30, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to eight years in federal prison for robbing a BP gas station and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of that robbery. Jones pleaded guilty to these charges on July 11, 2018. His prison term will be followed by a five-year period of supervised release.
On April 26, 2018, an armed robbery occurred at a BP gas station, Pflaum Road, Madison, Wisconsin. A handgun was pointed directly at the clerk, and the clerk was ordered to open the cash register. Photos show the robber wearing a blue bandana and a grey sweatshirt, and driving a silver car. On April 30, 2018, the Old National Bank, 6501 Monona Drive, Monona, Wisconsin, was robbed. The robber passed a note to the teller, demanding money. The teller complied, and placed a GPS in the packet of money he handed to the robber, as well as bait bills.
Law enforcement officers were able to track the GPS and, after a 16-mile chase, they were able to stop a vehicle being driven by Jones. Jones had recorded bait money from the Old National Bank in his possession, as well as the note used in the bank robbery. A 9mm pistol was also recovered in Jones’s car, as was a blue bandana and a grey sweatshirt.
Jones was interviewed by officers with the Monona and Madison Police Departments. He was advised of his rights, which he waived. Jones’s interview was recorded and he admitted committing the armed robbery of the BP gas station, and to robbing the Old National Bank in Monona. Pursuant to the terms of his plea agreement, the bank robbery charge was dismissed, although Jones’ role in this robbery was considered at sentencing.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
The charges against Jones were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, the Monona Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
