Cody Walker-Nelson, Attempted Bank Robbery, Wisconsin 2021

Cody Walker-Nelson, 31, a Duluth, Minnesota man, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a brazen crime spree that spanned multiple cities and counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

According to court records, Walker-Nelson engaged in a series of violent and invasive offenses in Superior and Duluth, including the attempted robbery of the Superior branch of Associated Bank.

On October 1, 2021, Walker-Nelson stole two cars in Duluth and led police on a series of high-speed chases. He then burglarized a residence in Superior, stealing three handguns and four long guns.

Walker-Nelson attempted to rob the Associated Bank drive-through in Superior, pulling up to the window and pointing a stolen handgun at the teller, who quickly moved out of sight.

Walker-Nelson fled the scene, driving against traffic across the Bong Bridge to Duluth. He was eventually surrounded by law enforcement and SWAT teams, and after a standoff, he was taken into custody.

Walker-Nelson was found to be in possession of numerous firearms, including the stolen handguns and long guns. He has prior convictions for theft of firearms, burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, assault, and violating a domestic abuse injunction.

At sentencing, Walker-Nelson stated that he was a drug addict who was unable to maintain sobriety during the pandemic, leading to his commission of the crimes. However, U.S. District Judge William Conley was not convinced, stating that Walker-Nelson had previous opportunities for treatment.

Judge Conley sentenced Walker-Nelson to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. This term of imprisonment will run concurrently with pending and related cases in Superior and Duluth.

The charges against Walker-Nelson were the result of an investigation conducted by the Superior and Duluth Police Departments, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities.

The court documents reveal that Walker-Nelson is a felon with a history of violent and invasive offenses, and that he posed a significant risk to the community.

Walker-Nelson's sentence reflects the severity of his conduct and the risk he posed to the community, and it is meant to hold him accountable and protect the public.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/duluth-man-sentenced-10-years-attempted-bank-robbery-illegal-gun-possession