Marcus J. Thornton, Bank Robbery, Illinois 2018

Edwardsville Man Pleads Guilty to Two Bank Robberies

A brazen bank robber has been brought to justice after pleading guilty to two counts of bank robbery. Marcus J. Thornton, 37, of Edwardsville, Illinois, appeared in federal district court in East St. Louis, where he admitted to committing the heinous crimes.

According to court proceedings, on October 13, 2016, Thornton entered the Regions Bank located at 107 E. Schuetz Street, Lebanon, Illinois, brandishing a silver and black semi-automatic handgun. He demanded money from bank tellers, who handed over a total of $13,710.90 in United States currency.

In a similar incident on February 9, 2017, Thornton entered the U.S. Bank located at 400 South Lincoln Avenue, O’Fallon, Illinois, and brandished a silver and black semi-automatic handgun. This time, he made off with $10,720 in United States currency.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel T. Kapsak and James G. Piper, Jr. prosecuted Thornton. The defendant now faces a prison term of up to 40 years, a fine of up to $500,000, a minimum of five years of supervised release after his prison term, and an amount of restitution that is yet to be determined.

Thornton's crimes have left a trail of destruction in their wake, and his guilty plea is a significant step towards bringing justice to the victims. As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: bank robbery will not be tolerated in our community.

The people of Edwardsville and surrounding areas can rest a little easier knowing that Thornton is facing the consequences of his actions. His guilty plea serves as a reminder that those who commit crimes will be held accountable.

The FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office have worked tirelessly to bring Thornton to justice, and their efforts are a testament to their dedication to keeping our community safe.

Mandatory Facts:

• Defendant/Respondent: Marcus J. Thornton
• Criminal Charges: Two counts of bank robbery
• City and State: Edwardsville, Illinois
• Exact Date: March 22, 2018
• Sentence or Outcome: Up to 40 years in prison, fine of up to $500,000, and supervised release
• Dollar Amounts: $13,710.90 and $10,720

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/pr/edwardsville-man-pleads-guilty-two-bank-robberies