HARRISBURG – A chilling chapter in Dauphin County’s criminal saga unfolded today as 39-year-old Donell Williams of Harrisburg admitted his role in an armed bank heist, marking a major victory for law enforcement.
In a guilty plea entered on May 30, 2017, before Chief United States District Judge Christopher C. Conner, Williams confessed to the brazen act of robbing AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union in Enola. The crime, committed on August 31, 2016, saw Williams brandish a loaded firearm and flee with just under $1,500.
The getaway was no less dramatic; following an intense pursuit at speeds topping 123 mph, the suspect abandoned his vehicle to evade capture on foot. But after a brief foot chase, Williams was apprehended, and both the cash and the firearm were recovered, ending the dangerous pursuit.
Williams is no stranger to the criminal underworld, having been previously convicted of felony charges and thus prohibited from owning firearms. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by violent criminals with access to weapons.
This incident was part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (VCRP), an initiative led by the United States Attorney’s Office to combat violence in Pennsylvania’s Middle District. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to bring Williams to justice.
Investigation into the crime was a collaborative effort between the FBI and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department, with assistance from Harrisburg police in making the arrest. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom led the prosecution. The potential sentence for Williams is severe, with federal law allowing up to 25 years’ imprisonment for the bank heist and life imprisonment for the firearm offense.
Related Federal Cases
- Philadelphia Man Faces 20-Year Sentence for Bank Heist · Pennsylvania
- Republic First Bank Collapses: Fulton Bank Swoops In · Iowa
- Altoona First Savings Bank CEO Troy Campbell Named to FDIC Advisory Committee · Pennsylvania
- Philly Thug Dion Jordan Hit With Three Bank Robbery Charges · Pennsylvania
- Pottstown Duo Hit With Armed Bank Robbery Charges · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News