David J. Sanders, Bank Robbery, Illinois 2016

A Rockford man is facing federal charges after allegedly robbing three banks and a coin and stamp store in the city.

The indictment alleges that David J. Sanders, 33, attempted to commit a robbery of the BMO Harris Bank, 2510 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, Ill. on May 31, 2016. He is also accused of robbing the BMO Harris Bank, 1480 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, Ill. on the same day, obtaining $2,260 from bank employees during that robbery.

Sanders is also accused of robbing Rockford Coin and Stamps, 4402 Center Ter., Rockford, Ill. on June 11, 2016, while using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. He obtained $500 and a Remington shotgun from Rockford Coin and Stamps employees during that robbery.

The indictment further alleges that Sanders robbed PNC Bank, 4615 E. State St., Rockford, Ill. on June 14, 2016, and obtained $3,010 from bank employees during that robbery.

Sanders has been in custody since his arrest on June 14, 2016. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Iain D. Johnston. Sanders was previously ordered to be held in federal custody pending trial.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The indictment was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Dan O’Shea, Chief of the Rockford Police Department. The investigation was conducted under the auspices of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, which includes representatives from the FBI, ATF, Loves Park Police Department, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, and Rockford Police Department.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Pedersen.

The charges against Sanders carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and full restitution. The charge of using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years, maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment, up to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sanders is next scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Johnson for a status hearing on Aug. 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Related Federal Cases