Texarkana Teen Gets 7 Years for Wells Fargo Heist

TEXARKANA, Texas – A brazen daylight robbery at a Wells Fargo branch in Texarkana landed 19-year-old Temetrius Manning an 84-month federal prison sentence, U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today. The crime, committed August 27, 2012, shocked the quiet city and triggered a swift response from federal and local law enforcement.

According to court records, Manning walked into the Wells Fargo and slapped a threatening note onto the teller’s counter, demanding cash. He didn’t bother with a weapon, relying on the implied threat of violence to secure the loot. He fled the scene with $3,490.99, but his freedom was short-lived. Texarkana Police, working alongside the FBI, apprehended Manning shortly after the robbery.

Manning didn’t even bother denying the charges. He pleaded guilty on October 30, 2012, to the charge of bank robbery, effectively ending any hope of a lighter sentence. A federal grand jury had indicted him on September 12, 2012, and the evidence quickly mounted against him. The prosecution, handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld, presented a clear and damning case.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider handed down the 84-month sentence today, sending a clear message that bank robbery won’t be tolerated in the Eastern District of Texas. In addition to the prison time, Manning was ordered to pay full restitution of $3,490.99 to Wells Fargo, a small consolation for the fear he instilled in bank employees and customers.

The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and the Texarkana Police Department, showcasing the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in tackling federal crimes. While the recovery of the stolen funds is a positive step, the seven years Manning will spend behind bars is a testament to the seriousness of his actions. This case serves as a stark warning to anyone contemplating a similar crime.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on other federal crimes impacting communities across the nation. The Eastern District of Texas remains a focus for our investigative team, and we are committed to bringing the truth to light, no matter how dark the corners of the criminal underworld may be.