Anthony Lamont Caldwell, Armed Bank Robbery, North Carolina 2023

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - In a shocking turn of events, Anthony Lamont Caldwell, a 49-year-old Charlotte resident, was sentenced to 284 months in federal prison for his involvement in an armed bank robbery. U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray made the announcement yesterday afternoon.

The conviction stems from a federal jury's decision on May 30, 2018, which found Caldwell guilty of bank robbery conspiracy, bank robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Under federal sentencing law, Caldwell was subject to an enhanced sentence as an Armed Career Criminal, based on prior convictions.

Caldwell's lengthy rap sheet includes two previous federal convictions for bank robbery in 1997 and attempted bank robbery in 2004. He was also convicted in Union County of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury with Intent to Kill in 1991. Trial evidence established that Caldwell planned the bank robbery, recruited two teenagers to rob the bank, and served as the getaway driver.

On December 9, 2016, Caldwell's co-conspirators entered a Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 10210 Couloak Drive in Charlotte, armed with two firearms supplied by Caldwell. The bank robbers pointed the firearms at the tellers behind the counter and demanded money. The tellers complied, and the bank robbers fled in a car driven by Caldwell with $5,791.60 in cash.

Law enforcement quickly located Caldwell hiding in a wooded area near a bag containing $5,614 and a GPS tracker from the bank. They also located in close proximity the vehicle Caldwell was driving. Caldwell initially claimed that he had been carjacked while picking up a pizza, but witness testimony and trial evidence established that he had not been carjacked.

Caldwell will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole. The FBI and CMPD investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and William Stetzer handling the prosecution.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of committing violent crimes. Caldwell's sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the harm caused to the victims and the community. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as necessary.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Anthony Lamont Caldwell

Criminal Charges: Bank robbery conspiracy, bank robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

City and State: Charlotte, North Carolina

Crime Date: December 9, 2016

Sentence: 284 months in federal prison

Dollar Amount: $5,791.60 in cash

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/armed-bank-robber-sentenced-more-23-years