Philly Bank Bandit Lamar Tindall Hit with 12-Year Sentence

PHILADELPHIA – Lamar Tindall, the notorious bank bandit who struck fear in the hearts of Philadelphians, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. The 45-year-old criminal, known for his brazen heist on three BB&T Banks within a span of ten days last May, was handed down this severe punishment by United States District Court Judge Joshua D. Wolson.

In January 2020, Tindall pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery, including the May 14th, 17th, and 23rd incidents. With a note threatening violence, he walked away with $3,650 from each daring attempt. His capture by Philadelphia Police Department officers came swiftly after his confession.

With a rap sheet that reads like a horror story – drug distribution convictions in 1999 and 2010, along with a property-of-the-United-States robbery conviction in 2002 – Tindall has been deemed a ‘Career Offender’ under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. His latest sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences facing those who commit violent crimes.

“Robbing any type of business is a serious federal offense,” said U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain, “and Tindall’s sentence should serve as a warning to would-be criminals in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.”

Micheal J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, echoed these sentiments: “Serial bank robbers like Lamar Tindall terrorize our communities, but with the help of law enforcement partners, he is now behind bars, making our city safer.”

The case against Tindall was a collaborative effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments across the region. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren R. Baer and Kevin Jayne are credited with the prosecution.