Lawrence M. Sullivan, Bank Robbery, Rhode Island 2014
A brazen bank robbery shook the quiet streets of Westerly, Rhode Island, as a teller was threatened with violence at a local branch of the Washington Trust Company. On September 15, 2014, Lawrence M. Sullivan, 38, allegedly stormed into the bank, located inside a supermarket, and demanded cash from a teller.
According to court records, Sullivan threatened to 'start shooting' if his demands were not met, but no weapon was shown. This shocking display of intimidation has left the community shaken.
Sullivan's alleged crime was not his first brush with the law. He was previously convicted of robbing two banks in Connecticut and one in Maine in 2008 and 2009. He served a 63-month federal prison sentence imposed in February 2010 and was currently serving a 3-year federal supervised release term at the time of his arrest.
On September 16, 2014, Sullivan was arrested by Groton, Ct., police after he was discovered hiding inside a storage closet inside a local motel. He was returned to Rhode Island and has been held in state custody ever since.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert. The FBI and the Groton, Ct., Police Department assisted the Westerly Police Department in the investigation of this matter. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A one-count bank robbery charge has been filed against Sullivan. The defendant's current status is that he has been ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond.
Lawrence M. Sullivan's alleged crime is a stark reminder of the dangers of bank robbery and the importance of community vigilance. As the investigation continues, the people of Westerly can rest assured that justice will be served.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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