Jamie Frierson, Bank Robbery, NY 2019

BRONX, NY – Jamie Frierson, 49, of New York, New York, is back behind bars after allegedly robbing a bank in the Bronx on May 8, 2019, a mere fifteen days after being released from federal prison for a string of prior bank heists. The brazen act has reignited questions about recidivism and the effectiveness of the federal prison system.

According to federal prosecutors, Frierson entered Bank-1, located at 120 East Fordham Road, and passed a threatening note to a teller demanding cash. The note read: “I AM ARMED GIVE ME ALL OF IT! 100’S, 50’S, 20, 10 IMMEDIATELY NO DIE PACKS.” He allegedly reinforced the demand verbally, stating “Give me all hundreds. Give me all your money. I’m armed,” and made off with approximately $200.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman didn’t mince words, stating, “As alleged, nine days after being released from a stint in prison for bank robbery, ‘Broadway Bandit’ Jamie Frierson was back for a repeat performance, this time brazenly robbing a bank in the Bronx. His alleged threats of violence have again endangered the safety of New Yorkers.”

This isn’t Frierson’s first rodeo. He was previously convicted in the Southern District of New York following a jury trial for five separate bank robberies committed in Manhattan between August 16, 2017, and August 29, 2017. Evidence presented at the trial revealed a consistent pattern: using threatening notes to convince tellers he was armed. He was released from prison on April 29, 2019.

The swift apprehension is being lauded as a victory for interagency cooperation. FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. emphasized, “After being released from federal prison for robbing banks, Jamie Frierson allegedly went right back to the very crime that put him in jail in the first place. He clearly did not learn a lesson. Our FBI/NYPD Violent Crimes Task Force worked hard to track Mr. Frierson down before he was able to hit yet another bank.” NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill added that the quick response was a testament to the strong partnerships between law enforcement, the banking community, and the commitment to keeping New York City safe.

Frierson has been charged with one count of bank robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aline R. Flodr, Sheb Swett, and Sagar K. Ravi of the Office’s General Crimes Unit. The FBI/NYPD Violent Crime Task Force and the NYPD Warrants – BRONX/JAWS Team were instrumental in the investigation. The allegations contained in the complaint remain just that – allegations – until proven in court.