NEW JERSEY MAN CONVICTED OF ARMED BANK ROBBERY FOR LEBANON BANK

Dennis C. Pfannenschmidt, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that David Dupree, 32, of Camden, New Jersey was convicted late yesterday of armed bank robbery, conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. United States District Court Chief Judge Yvette Kane presided over the three-day trial held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

According to U.S. Attorney Pfannenschmidt, on April 15, 2004, Dupree and Ronald Samuels, 34, both of Camden, New Jersey, armed with semi-automatic pistols stormed the M & T Bank and fled in a stolen car with over $10,000. Within two blocks the armed gunman met Latricia Samuels, 35, and Mayra Rodriguez, 36, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who drove the getaway car. The case broke when investigators used DNA to link Ronald Samuels to a pair of sunglasses that were dropped behind the bank counter during the robbery.

On April 23, 2008, all four individuals were indicted. Latricia Samuels, Ronald Samuels and Mayra Rodriguez all pled guilty.

Dupree faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment for armed bank robbery and up to five years for the conspiracy charge. Additionally, Dupree faces up to life imprisonment for the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Pennsylvania State Police and the Lebanon City Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Daryl F. Bloom and Wesley P. Page prosecuted the case.

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