AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885

MAY 10, 2006

GARRETT PARK MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BANK ROBBERY

GREENBELT, Maryland - Thomas C. Springer, age 57, of Garrett Park, Maryland pleaded guilty today to four counts of bank robbery, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. In a videotaped confession, Springer confessed to the bank robberies, indicating that he needed money for golf and was struggling to pay rent.

According to the statement of facts, on November 30, 2005, Springer entered the Chevy Chase Bank at 10821 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Maryland. Springer approached the teller window and passed a note which read, “Bank Robbery.” The teller turned over $400.00 in the form of four serialized dye packs and Springer then fled the bank with the serialized dye packs. A citizen/bank customer was in the Chevy Chase Bank drive through at the time and was alerted to the bank robbery. The citizen observed the dye packs explode in Springer’s coat pocket as he ran to his vehicle, which was parked nearby. The citizen followed Springer as he drove to the Wheaton Plaza Mall, contacting the Montgomery County Police 911 call taker and providing information about Springer’s location. Plainclothes Montgomery County Police detectives located Springer and his vehicle in the Wheaton Plaza parking lot and arrested him. There was red dye on Springer’s hands and clothes, as well as in his vehicle. The blue pen apparently used to write the last demand note was recovered when Springer was searched after his arrest.

In his statement of facts Springer admitted that between November 2004 and November 2005 in total he committed seven bank robberies and attempted another, netting in all $20,896 during several bank robberies. According to the statement of facts, in each robbery Springer approached the teller window and passed a note which read, “Bank Robbery.”

The maximum penalty for each count of bank robbery is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow set sentencing for August 28, 2006. Springer remains in federal custody.

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 is prosecuting the case.