Upper Marlboro Man Admits to Brazen Bank Robbery Spree

GREENBELT, MD – Wesley Phillip Wilson, Jr., 44, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has confessed to a string of armed bank robberies stretching across Maryland and Virginia. Wilson pleaded guilty to multiple bank robbery offenses and firearms charges, bringing an end to a terrifying spree that left tellers fearing for their lives.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland and U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia jointly announced the guilty plea, alongside a coalition of law enforcement officials including the FBI Baltimore and Washington DC Field Offices, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), Anne Arundel County Police, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Manassas City Police Department, Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD), and Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). The coordinated investigation brought Wilson to justice.

The crime wave began on November 19, 2020, with a robbery at a Prince George’s County bank, netting Wilson approximately $1,570. He brazenly handed a teller a threatening note: “Don’t Be a Hero. I have a gun. No Dye packs tracers or devices in the bag. Do Not push alarm until I leave! If my scanner goes off someone will die. Only Large Bills. Hurry up!! Stay calm 20,000 Now.” After initially receiving $500, Wilson strong-armed the teller into handing over an additional $1,070.70. The pattern continued just days later in Anne Arundel County, where he pilfered $2,709 with a similar note demanding compliance and threatening violence.

Wilson’s audacity didn’t stop at state lines. On November 25th, he attempted a robbery in Woodbridge, Virginia, brandishing a black handgun when a teller began to hit the alarm. He fled empty-handed. Undeterred, Wilson successfully robbed a Montgomery County, Maryland bank on November 28th, making off with $3,000. The final, and most elaborate, robbery occurred December 7th in Manassas, Virginia. There, Wilson demanded money from two bank employees, even threatening a customer with a handgun, counting down “You have eight seconds.” He escaped with approximately $6,135, unaware that a GPS tracker had been mixed in with the cash.

Law enforcement swiftly tracked the stolen money to a shopping center in Manassas, Virginia, leading to Wilson’s apprehension. The GPS tracker proved crucial in not only recovering the stolen funds but also directly linking Wilson to the crime. Details of Wilson’s sentencing will be released at a later date, but he now faces significant federal prison time for his reckless and violent actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by armed robbery and the dedication of law enforcement to protecting communities.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on Wilson’s sentencing. We’ll also be digging deeper into his background to see if this was a first-time offense or part of a larger pattern of criminal activity. Stay tuned for updates.

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