Lee’s Summit Duo Accused of Commerce Bank Heist

A pair of Missouri men are behind bars, accused of stealing nearly two grand from Commerce Bank in a brazen heist.

Gerrad Deshaun Rivera-Willis, 24, of Lee’s Summit, and Rathell Qauvon Ross, 27, of Belton, were slapped with federal charges after allegedly robbing the bank on April 22, 2024.

According to an affidavit, Rivera-Willis, the mastermind, dropped off a robbery note and grabbed cash from a teller’s counter. Ross, his accomplice, handed the teller a note and was given cash in return.

The pair allegedly fled in a stolen white Dodge Charger, which crashed nearby. Rivera-Willis and Ross were caught after a police dog tracked them down. Rivera-Willis was found sitting on a front stoop, while Ross was hiding behind a garage under a pile of rubbish.

A police dog and his handler tracked the scent path, leading them to the stolen cash, hidden in a cinder block near another residence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean T. Foley. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Charged with stealing $2,033 from Commerce Bank, the defendants remain detained in federal custody without bond. The charge is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This brazen heist is just the latest in a string of violent crimes plaguing the region. As our city struggles to stay safe, we’ll continue to bring you in-depth coverage of the crimes that affect our community.