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AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885  

August 28, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md                                       

GARRETT PARK MAN SENTENCED TO 150 MONTHS FOR BANK ROBBERY

GREENBELT, Maryland - Thomas C. Springer, age 57, of Garrett Park, Maryland was sentenced today to 150 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release in connection with his guilty plea to four counts of bank robbery, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow also ordered Springer to pay $20,869 in restitution to three banks.

According to the statement of facts presented to the court at his guilty plea on May 10, 2006, Springer passed a note through a teller window at the Chevy Chase Bank, 10821 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, on November 30, 2005 which read, “Bank Robbery.” The teller turned over $400 with dye packs and Springer fled. A bank customer who was in the drive-through observed the dye packs explode in Springer’s coat pocket as he ran to his vehicle. The customer followed Springer as he drove to the Wheaton Plaza Mall, calling 911 and providing information about Springer’s location. Montgomery County police arrested Springer in the Wheaton Plaza parking lot. Springer’s hands and clothes were covered with red dye, as well as his vehicle.

Springer admitted that between November 2004 and November 2005, he committed seven bank robberies and attempted another, netting $20,896 in all.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the investigative work performed by the Montgomery County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Trusty, who prosecuted the case.

This page last modified—August 28, 2006