Reginald Deberry, a career criminal with a penchant for robbing banks, is headed back to federal prison. U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis handed down a nine-year sentence this week for the November 22, 2019, heist of a Fifth Third Bank branch in Chicago’s Loop. This isn’t Deberry’s first rodeo; he was already on court-supervised release for two previous federal bank robbery convictions when he and accomplice Iesha Batchelor targeted the downtown bank.
The operation was simple, brutal efficiency. Deberry acted as lookout, casing the entrance while Batchelor approached the teller. Following Deberry’s whispered instructions, she made her demand – cash, and no heroics. They made off with an undisclosed amount, split the take, and figured they’d gotten away with it. They were wrong. The FBI’s Chicago Field Office, along with the Chicago Police Department, quickly zeroed in on the pair.
Federal prosecutors didn’t pull punches. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Green laid out Deberry’s lengthy criminal history, painting a clear picture of a man consistently choosing a life of crime. The prosecution argued Deberry’s actions weren’t a one-time lapse in judgment, but a continuation of a dangerous pattern. The feds wanted a significant sentence, and they got it. Deberry pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery earlier this year, acknowledging his role in the scheme.
Batchelor, considered the lesser player in the robbery, received a comparatively lenient sentence of one year in prison in March. While she’ll face consequences for her actions, the disparity in sentencing reflects Deberry’s extensive record and perceived greater threat to public safety. The announcement of the sentences came from Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., and Interim Chicago Police Superintendent Fred Waller – a united front signaling a crackdown on bank robberies.
As of May 26, 2023, Deberry is already in the system, beginning his nine-year stretch. This case underscores a grim reality: repeat offenders often receive minimal deterrence from initial sentences. The feds clearly hoped this longer sentence would finally break the cycle. The Northern District of Illinois continues to grapple with a surge in violent crime, and this case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by bank employees and the public every day.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and other criminal activity in the Chicago area. The question remains: will nine years be enough to keep Deberry from returning to a life of crime upon his release? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Chicago’s streets are slightly safer with him behind bars… for now.
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