ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY
Donald McCandless, 42, of Norfolk, Virginia, was arrested yesterday after he attempted to rob the Vermont Federal Credit Union in Burlington, Vermont.
According to court records, McCandless entered the VFCU with an object in his pocket, stated he had a bomb, and demanded money. He then approached a teller window and began punching the plexiglass barrier, knocking items off the counter.
A customer conducting business at the bank grabbed McCandless and began pulling him toward the exit of the bank. McCandless was given $10 in cash by a patron, and he left the bank.
Burlington Police Officers who responded to a 911 call and alarm at VFCU encountered McCandless on College Street wearing clothing consistent with that described by witnesses of the attempted robbery. He was found with two $5 bills in his hand, and he reported having been ‘doing meth’ earlier in the day.
At the time of his arrest, McCandless had a nonextraditable arrest warrant issued in Norfolk, Virginia for violating a term of probation imposed as part of his sentence for a 2020 conviction for Felony Strangulation.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the charge against McCandless is merely an accusation and that he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
‘If convicted of the charged offense, McCandless could face up to twenty years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and a period of federal supervised release.’ Any sentence will be formulated through consultation of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and consideration of McCandless’s personal history and characteristics.
Donald McCandless, the defendant, is currently being held pending his appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle tomorrow.
The Vermont Federal Credit Union, the victim, is located in Burlington, Vermont.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the quick response and investigation of the Burlington Police Department and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Ang is prosecuting the case for the government.
The defendant has not yet retained or been appointed counsel.
The crime took place yesterday in Burlington, Vermont.
The charges against McCandless include Attempted Armed Robbery.
The defendant could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a period of federal supervised release if convicted.
The crime date is not specified, but the arrest took place yesterday.
The defendant is currently being held pending his appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge.
Donald McCandless, 42, of Norfolk, Virginia, is the defendant in this case.
Related Federal Cases
- Alan Kemp, Armed Bank Robbery, Maryland 2024 · Washington
- Lamel Miller, Armed Robbery, Queens NY, 2020 · Illinois
- Lamel Miller & Lafayette Morrison, Armed Robbery, Queens NY, 2020 · Illinois
- Hendrix James, Armed Bank Robbery, New York 2021 · New York
- Alvarez, Illicit Goods Trafficking, Vermont 2024 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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