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Press Release

Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Credit Union

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced Wednesday to almost 12 years in prison for the armed robbery of Call Federal Credit Union in Midlothian.

According to court documents, Okello Chatrie, 27, entered the Call Federal Credit Union in Midlothian on May 20, 2019, demanding money at gunpoint. Chatrie robbed the Credit Union of nearly $200,000. Chatrie pleaded guilty to the robbery of a credit union and brandishing a firearm during that robbery.

When Chatrie entered the Call Federal Credit Union, he presented a bank teller with a note that read, in part, “I got your family as hostage and I know where you live, If you or your coworker alert the cops or anyone your family and you are going to be hurt ... I need at least 100k.” Before the teller could hand over the money, Chatrie brandished a pistol and directed all employees and customers of the bank to kneel down before directing them to an area where a safe was located.

The ensuing investigation ultimately led to the execution of a search warrant at two residences tied to Chatrie. At one residence, law enforcement recovered nearly $100,000 of the stolen money, a money counter, as well as the silver and black 9mm G2C Taurus semiautomatic pistol used during the robbery. At the other residence, law enforcement recovered practice robbery demand notes. 

At sentencing, the Court heard testimony from the teller who received Chatrie’s note as well as the bank manager who was ordered at gunpoint to turn over the money. The bank manager called it one of the worst days in his life. 

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck.

This case was investigated by FBI Richmond's Central Virginia Violent Crimes Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney s Kenneth R. Simon, Jr. and Peter S. Duffey prosecuted the case. Senior Counsel Nathan Judish of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice also served on the prosecution team.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-130.

Updated August 12, 2022

Topics
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Violent Crime