A man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for robbing a downtown Chicago bank. Reginald Deberry and his co-defendant, Iesha Batchelor, targeted a Fifth Third Bank branch in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood on November 22, 2019. Deberry acted as the lookout near the bank’s entrance while Batchelor approached the teller, following Deberry’s instructions on what to say. After receiving the cash, they fled the scene and divided the proceeds. At the time of the robbery, Deberry was on court-supervised release for two prior federal bank robbery convictions. U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis imposed the sentence on Deberry, while Batchelor received a one-year prison sentence in March. The sentencing highlights the defendant’s history of violent offenses throughout his adult life.

Chicago Bank Robber Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison

Background

In a recent case, a man named Reginald Deberry was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his involvement in a bank robbery in downtown Chicago. Deberry, along with his co-defendant Iesha Batchelor, robbed a Fifth Third Bank branch in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood on November 22, 2019. This article will provide an overview of the case, including the details of the robbery, Deberry’s previous convictions, the guilty plea, the sentencing, the co-defendant’s sentencing, the announcement of sentences, the prosecution’s argument, and updated information related to the case.

The Robbery

On November 22, 2019, Reginald Deberry and Iesha Batchelor executed a bank robbery at a Fifth Third Bank branch in downtown Chicago. Deberry served as the lookout near the bank’s entrance, while Batchelor approached the teller and, following Deberry’s instructions, demanded all the money without causing harm to anyone. The pair then fled the scene and divided the stolen proceeds amongst themselves.

Previous Convictions

At the time of the robbery, Deberry was serving a court-supervised release for two prior federal bank robbery convictions. His criminal history revealed a pattern of violent offenses throughout his adult life.

Guilty Plea

Reginald Deberry pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of bank robbery. By entering a guilty plea, Deberry admitted his involvement in the robbery and accepted responsibility for his actions. The nature of the charges and the guilty plea shed light on Deberry’s active participation in the criminal act. Iesha Batchelor, his co-defendant, also pleaded guilty to a bank robbery charge and was sentenced separately to one year in prison.

Sentencing

U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis presided over the case and imposed a nine-year prison sentence on Reginald Deberry. The judge’s decision took into consideration the severity of the crime, Deberry’s criminal history, and the potential danger he posed to the community. The length of the sentence reflects the gravity of the offense and acts as a deterrent for future criminal behavior.

Co-Defendant’s Sentencing

Iesha Batchelor, the co-defendant in the bank robbery case, received a separate sentence of one year in prison. While the sentences for Deberry and Batchelor differ significantly, they both face the consequences of their criminal actions.

Announcement of Sentences

The sentencing of Reginald Deberry and Iesha Batchelor was announced by several officials involved in the case, including Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Fred Waller, Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. These officials played integral roles in the investigation, arrest, and successful prosecution of Deberry and Batchelor.

Prosecution’s Argument

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Green presented the prosecution’s argument during the sentencing proceedings. Green highlighted Deberry’s extensive criminal history and described his involvement in the bank robbery as part of a consistent pattern of violent offenses. The argument aimed to establish the seriousness of Deberry’s actions and justify the imposed sentence.

Updated Information

As of May 26, 2023, Reginald Deberry is serving his nine-year prison sentence. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals face when engaging in criminal activities, particularly repeat offenders. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, law enforcement and the justice system aim to maintain the safety and well-being of the community.

Related Content

This case is not an isolated incident in the Northern District of Illinois. Other recent cases involving criminal activities in the area include the trafficking of machine gun conversion devices, drug trafficking probes targeting fentanyl-laced heroin and cocaine sales, and firearms and drug trafficking charges. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat various forms of criminal behavior and protect the community from harm.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Reginald Deberry to nine years in federal prison serves as a significant development in the bank robbery case. The details of the robbery, Deberry’s criminal history, the guilty plea, and the sentencing decision shed light on the severity of the offense and the actions taken by the justice system to address it. The successful prosecution of Deberry and Batchelor, along with the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, sends a message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated.

By Jesse Hull

I'm Jesse Hull, a retired Infantry Paratrooper and Outdoor Studies Major at Alaska Pacific University - and I am the mind behind Grimy Times - your portal to the darkest, grittiest news stories spanning the globe. With a tagline like "Grimiest News From Around The World!" you can expect no less. I bring you the most unearthed stories, guaranteeing authenticity without sugarcoating. From shadowy urban alleys to the most remote corners of our planet, my coverage knows no bounds.