United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy | U.S. Department of Justice
An Edgartown man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for orchestrating an armed bank robbery on Martha’s Vineyard. Miquel Anthonio Jones, 33, will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. The sentencing took place in a federal court in Boston.
Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023, with additional charges added in April of the same year. He collaborated with Omar Odion Johnson from New Hampshire, Romane Andre Clayton from Jamaica, and Tevin Porter from Connecticut to carry out the robbery at the Rockland Trust bank branch in Vineyard Haven on November 17, 2022.
As the sole member of the group residing on Martha’s Vineyard, Jones played a leading role in planning the heist. He selected the target bank and provided his co-conspirators with necessary items such as clothing and masks. Jones also paid Johnson to bring a firearm.
The night before the robbery, Jones hosted Johnson and Clayton at his home where they finalized their plans. On the morning of November 17, they proceeded to execute their plan using firearms and disguises to force entry into the bank. Approximately $39,100 was stolen during the incident.
Following the robbery, Jones disposed of evidence by burying firearms and burning other equipment used during the crime. The stolen money was hidden at his residence.
U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy remarked on Jones' actions stating that "his conduct left lasting emotional scars," emphasizing that such crimes will not be tolerated. Jodi Cohen from the FBI highlighted how fortunate it was that no one was harmed during this "bold and brazen" act.
Jones’ co-defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing in January 2025.
The announcement of Jones' sentence involved contributions from multiple law enforcement agencies including local police departments across Massachusetts and neighboring states as well as federal entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
