In a recent development, a Fairfield County man has pled guilty to multiple armed bank robberies that took place in Athens and Marietta. William E. Johnson, 58, of Lancaster, admitted to committing the robberies in August and October of 2020. In his plea agreement, it was revealed that Johnson used various disguises, including prosthetics and Halloween-style masks, to conceal his identity during the robberies. With an agreed-upon sentence of more than 13 years in federal prison, Johnson’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice.
Fairfield County man pleads guilty to armed bank robberies in Athens, Marietta
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Introduction
A Fairfield County man, William E. Johnson, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to armed bank robberies in Athens and Marietta. The plea agreement includes an agreed-upon sentence of more than 13 years in federal prison. This article will provide an overview of the case, including details of the robberies, disguises and tactics used, the arrest and search, and the law enforcement agencies involved. Additionally, it will discuss the guilty plea announcement, the prosecution team, and provide contact information for further inquiries.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
The plea agreement reached between William E. Johnson and the prosecution stipulates a sentence of more than 13 years in federal prison. The agreement reflects Johnson’s admission of committing armed robberies in August 2020 in Athens and October 2020 in Marietta. By pleading guilty, Johnson has accepted responsibility for his actions and has avoided a trial and the potential for a longer sentence.
Details of the Robberies
The armed robbery in Athens occurred on August 17, 2020, at the Hocking Valley Bank on East State Street. During the robbery, Johnson brandished a firearm and disguised his appearance using various tactics, including a prosthetic forehead and nose, skin-toned arm sleeves and gloves, and makeup. He demanded employees to get on the floor, emptied cash drawers, and tied the employees’ hands with zip ties. In total, Johnson stole more than $25,000.
The second robbery took place on October 22, 2020, at the Citizens Bank on North Second Street in Marietta. During this robbery, Johnson wore a full-length Halloween-style mask, making him appear as an old man, and had a red hood pulled up around his face. Using a gun, he forced his way behind the tellers’ counter, emptied several drawers, and stole $11,390.
Disguises and Tactics
Johnson employed various disguises and tactics to conceal his identity during the robberies. In the Athens robbery, he used a prosthetic forehead and nose, skin-toned arm sleeves and gloves, and applied makeup to further alter his appearance. Additionally, he wore a COVID mask due to the ongoing pandemic.
During the Marietta robbery, Johnson wore a full-length Halloween-style mask that made him resemble an elderly individual. He also had a red hood pulled up around his face, further obscuring his identity. These disguises were intended to hinder identification and impede law enforcement efforts.
In both robberies, Johnson brandished a firearm and used it to intimidate bank employees. He ordered them to the floor and demanded access to cash drawers. Johnson also went as far as tying employees’ hands and ordering the bank manager to provide their car keys. These tactics created fear and allowed him to make a quick getaway.
Arrest and Search
Law enforcement officers were able to apprehend Johnson in connection with the Marietta bank robbery. As Johnson was spotted driving in West Virginia on the evening of the robbery, he attempted to flee on foot when pulled over by officers. He resisted arrest, stating that officers would have to kill him to take him into custody.
After subduing Johnson with the use of a taser, officers searched his vehicle. They discovered more than $9,000 in cash, a loaded handgun, zip ties, and the disguises used during the robberies. The evidence found in the vehicle supports the charges against Johnson and strengthens the case against him.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
Several law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in the investigation and apprehension of William E. Johnson. These include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), local police departments in Athens, Marietta, Williamstown, West Virginia, and Parkersburg, West Virginia, as well as the sheriff’s offices of Washington County and Wood County, West Virginia. The West Virginia State Police also participated in the arrest. The collaborative efforts of these agencies demonstrate the commitment to public safety and swift justice in the community.
Guilty Plea Announcement
The guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. on April 27. The plea announcement serves as a formal acknowledgment of Johnson’s guilt in committing the armed bank robberies. It marks an important step in the legal process, bringing closure to the case and allowing for the next stages of the criminal justice system to proceed.
Prosecution Team
In pursuing justice for the community, the prosecution team consists of dedicated individuals from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case. Their expertise and commitment to upholding the law have been instrumental in building a solid case against Johnson.
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Related Content
This case is part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and protect the community. To learn more about similar cases and recent developments in the region, audiences can refer to the related content section available on the official website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Contact Information
For further information or inquiries about the case, interested parties can reach out to the Southern District of Ohio Main Office. Contact details, including phone numbers and website information, are available to provide assistance and clarification on the matter. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office maintains a presence on social media platforms, providing another avenue for communication and updates.
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