Augusta Man Sentenced to 117 Months in Federal Prison for Armed Bank Robbery of West Columbia Bank

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Callus LeFont Latimore, age 42, of Augusta, Georgia was sentenced yesterday in federal court for various charges stemming from the February, 9, 2017, armed robbery of First Reliance Bank in West Columbia, South Carolina. On April 19, 2017, Latimore entered a guilty plea before Senior United States District Court Judge Cameron M. Currie. Latimore pled guilty to armed bank robbery and use/possession/brandishing of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a), 2113(d) and 924(c). Judge Currie sentenced Latimore to a total of 117 months imprisonment with 5 years of supervised release to follow.

Evidence presented in court established that on the February 9, 2017, armed with a Hi-Point 9mm caliber handgun and wearing a construction vest, fishing hat, and fake beard, Latimore entered First Reliance Bank. After a bank employee asked Latimore if he needed assistance, Latimore brandished the Hi-Point pistol jumped on the counter and demanded money. Latimore then reached over the counter, took $10,300.00 in currency, and fled the scene.

Unbeknownst to Latimore, in the currency he stole was a bundle of funds equipped with a hidden GPS tracker. After responding to the scene, Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office were informed of the tracker, and within an hour, Deputies located Latimore off exit 119 on Interstate 26. After arresting Latimore, deputies recovered the Hi-Point 9mm handgun, GPS tracker, and all $10,300.00 of the stolen currency.

The case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney William C. Lewis of the Columbia office handled the case.

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