Jury Returns Guilty Verdict In Bank Robbery Trial

ALBANY – The first of two co-defendants charged in the armed robbery of an Albany bank was found guilty following a four day trial, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. A citizen jury found Kamilyah Whitlock, 25, of Albany guilty late Thursday afternoon on all charges, Bank Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm. The trial began Monday, February 18, 2019 and was presided by the Honorable Leslie Gardner, U.S. District Judge. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. The penalties for these crimes are a maximum 25 years in prison for Bank Robbery, and a maximum of life in prison for Brandishing a Firearm.

Ms. Whitlock was masked when she robbed The Renasant Bank at 721 N. Westover Blvd., Albany, GA on November 6, 2017 with more than a dozen customers and employees inside, 1:30 p.m. on a Monday. A co-defendant in this case, Shataz Hampton, 25, of Albany, is charged with one count of Bank Robbery and one count of Brandishing a Firearm.  No date has been set for Mr. Hampton’s trial.

“This armed robbery struck fear in the hearts of the people of this community.  I want to thank the FBI, Albany Police Department and other state and local law enforcement for their hard work investigating this matter” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “The people of Southwest Georgia want a safe place to raise their families. This conviction sends a message that law enforcement is committed to providing safe neighborhoods to all of our citizens.”

The case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government.

Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.