KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Robert Z. Whipple, III, 50, of Crossville, Tennessee, is headed to federal prison for a three-bank crime spree that rattled West Knoxville in early 2020. Whipple was sentenced to 70 months – five years and ten months – by U.S. District Judge Katherine A. Crytzer on February 10, 2023.
Whipple pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a), admitting to hitting a Home Federal Bank, a First Horizon Bank, and a Fifth Third Bank, all within the Eastern District of Tennessee, over three consecutive days – March 5th, 6th, and 7th. The total take: approximately $6,950. The brazen robberies prompted a swift joint investigation by the Knoxville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The FBI quickly zeroed in on Whipple, and he was apprehended on the evening of March 7th at a Red Roof Inn in Knoxville. It wasn’t just his presence at the motel that sealed his fate; a search of his room and vehicle turned up over $4,000 in cash – a significant portion of the stolen funds. Crucially, investigators also recovered a wig and a demand note, linking Whipple directly to the bank heists.
“This sentence sends a clear message that targeting financial institutions and endangering the public will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee. The investigation was spearheaded by FBI Special Agent Wesley Leatham, who built a solid case against Whipple. The evidence presented in court left little room for doubt about his guilt.
Beyond the prison sentence, Whipple will face three years of supervised release upon his eventual release. He’s also been ordered to pay full restitution to the banks he robbed, meaning he’ll be paying back every penny he stole. Assistant United States Attorney LaToyia Carpenter skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Whipple was held accountable for his actions.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal crime cases in Tennessee and beyond. This case serves as a reminder that even seemingly small-time robberies can carry serious consequences, especially when they involve federal charges. The combined efforts of local and federal law enforcement brought a dangerous criminal to justice and secured a significant sentence.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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