Edd Tawon Payne, Bank Robbery with Hoax Bomb Device, OK 2018

A bank heist straight out of a low-budget crime flick went south for Edd Tawon Payne, 33, of Tulsa, who pleaded guilty to bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery on February 8, 2018, before District Judge Claire V. Eagan. Payne admitted to orchestrating a daylight raid on the Bank of America at 205 East Pine Street, using a fake explosive device cobbled together from wires and a disassembled cell phone stuffed into a cosmetics bag.

The robbery, which took place on August 16, 2017, involved Payne, co-defendant Manuel Britto, and a juvenile, all wearing disguises to mask their identities. The so-called “hoax bomb” was brandished to intimidate tellers while the crew made off with $11,012 in cash. The device, though non-functional, was convincing enough to trigger panic and compliance under the threat of violence—hallmark traits of a high-stakes robbery.

Payne didn’t stash the cash for long. Investigators traced part of the stolen money to the purchase of a vehicle, linking him directly to the proceeds of the crime. Federal authorities say the brazen nature of the robbery, including the use of a simulated explosive, elevates the offense beyond simple larceny and into the realm of federal violent crime.

Manuel Britto, Payne’s co-defendant, already pleaded guilty on January 3, 2018, and awaits sentencing alongside Payne, whose day in court is set for May 7, 2018. Both face significant prison time as the Department of Justice continues its crackdown on violent offenses targeting financial institutions.

“Bank robberies are inherently violent offenses that can jeopardize the lives of bank employees and customers,” said United States Attorney Trent Shores. “My office has focused our attention on reducing violent crime and gun crime. We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to improve the safety of our community.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tulsa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dennis A. Fries. The collaboration underscores a broader federal push to dismantle local criminal plots before they escalate into deadly confrontations.

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