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Lake City Bank Robber Gets 12 Years

A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years and 3 months in federal prison for robbing an Ameris Bank branch in Lake City, Florida. Demarcus Daniels, of Lake City, was found guilty of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2020, Daniels robbed the Ameris Bank branch, attacking a bank employee as she unlocked the door to open the branch for the day. During the robbery, Daniels pointed a loaded .32 caliber pistol at the employee and demanded that she open the bank’s safe. After she opened the safe, Daniels removed approximately $310,200 in cash.

Daniels then attempted to escape by carjacking another bank employee, who drove away before Daniels could enter her vehicle. Daniels fled on foot, dropping some of the money in the parking lot as he ran. He was apprehended a short time later by the Lake City Police Department in a nearby office park, hiding behind a dumpster.

‘The defendant in this case carefully planned a violent act in pursuit of his own personal gain and committed it with zero regard for his victims,’ said Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. ‘American banks serve as the bedrock of the U.S. economy, and the FBI remains committed to working alongside our partners to aggressively pursue those who commit acts of violence against these institutions, and to seek justice for victims who are traumatized in the process.’

‘We are aware that nationally violent crimes have increased. We are grateful for the assistance from the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office who worked to bring closure and prosecution of this case,’ stated Dr. Argatha Gilmore, Chief of Police for the Lake City Police Department. ‘I appreciate Lake City Police Department patrol officers and investigators who were diligent in their efforts in locating and arresting the suspect.’

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. The case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime through a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify and develop comprehensive solutions to address the most pressing violent crime problems in the community.’