Ryan Newell, Armed Bank Robbery, South Carolina 2018

Three armed bank takeovers across the Midlands of South Carolina have ended in federal prison for Ryan Newell, 31, and Cory Woods, 29, both of Columbia. The duo terrorized bank branches in January, February, and March of 2018, stealing over $78,000 in total before their final escape attempt turned into a high-speed disaster on I-26.

On January 24, 2018, Newell and Woods struck first, storming into a First Citizens bank in Columbia and walking out with more than $33,000. Armed and aggressive, they left employees shaken and investigators scrambling. Just one month later, on February 24, they hit again—this time robbing a TD Bank in Irmo of over $17,000.

Their final act came on March 5, 2018, when they robbed a Wells Fargo in Chapin of over $28,000. But this heist didn’t end with a clean getaway. Instead, Newell and Woods led law enforcement on a reckless chase down I-26, only to lose control, crash into the median, and be arrested on scene. Evidence from the vehicle, including firearms and stolen cash, sealed their fates.

Ryan Newell pleaded guilty to three counts of armed bank robbery and associated firearm offenses. He was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten to 298 months—over 24 years—in federal prison, followed by five years of court-ordered supervision. Cory Woods, who pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and related firearm charges, received 108 months—more than nine years—plus five years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system. Both men will serve nearly every day of their sentences behind bars. The case was investigated by a coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Chapin Police Department, Irmo Police Department, and Columbia Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney William Camden Lewis prosecuted the case out of the Columbia office. The coordinated response and swift convictions underscore the federal priority placed on violent financial crimes—especially when guns are drawn and public safety is put at risk.

Related Federal Cases