Harrison Nefale Branche, Armed Bank Robbery, Virginia 2014

On September 11, 2014, a brazen armed bank robbery shook the quiet streets of Newport News, Virginia. Harrison Nefale Branche, a 36-year-old native of the city, walked into the Virginia Educator’s Credit Union, brandishing a loaded Hi-Point, semi-automatic pistol. With a menacing air, he presented a note to the teller, stating he had a gun and demanded a staggering $40,000.

The teller, understandably, was frightened. She provided approximately $8,200 to the ruthless bandit, who then fled the scene. Branche discarded his clothes in the storm drain on a public street, a desperate attempt to evade capture. However, his plan was foiled when officers encountered him shortly after leaving the credit union. The would-be bank robber reached into his waistband to retrieve a firearm, but officers ordered him to drop it. Branche complied, throwing the gun to the ground.

As officers approached him, they found approximately $7,800 in U.S. currency in his pockets. A search of the area led to the recovery of the firearm used in the crime. This was no trivial offense, but a serious crime that put the lives of innocent people at risk.

Harrison Nefale Branche later admitted his involvement in the robbery and apologized to the bank teller. His actions were a stark reminder of the dangers of armed robbery and the importance of swift justice. Today, Branche will face the consequences of his actions, and it is only fitting.

On February 2, 2015, Branche waived indictment and pled guilty to a criminal information. Today, he was sentenced to 117 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for armed bank robbery and use, carry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Newport News Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yvonne Garcia and Ivana Nizich from the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

As the citizens of Newport News can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that justice has been served, it is essential to remember that armed robbery is a serious offense that will not be tolerated. The swift prosecution and sentencing of Harrison Nefale Branche serve as a deterrent to others who would consider committing similar crimes.

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