Rock Island Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Robbery of a Credit Union Followed By High-Speed Chase in Illinois and Iowa

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Rock Island, Illinois, man, Roman Thomas Lloyd, 34, of the 400 block of 19^th Avenue, was sentenced on January 11, 2021, to a total of 72 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for credit union robbery and interstate transportation of stolen money.

At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Lloyd had fled from the police following the robbery, driving at speeds approaching 100 mph on both highways and residential streets. The government further highlighted that the chase had gone through four school zones and that law enforcement attempted to use “stop sticks” on five occasions before they were ultimately successful on their sixth attempt. The government noted that even after the stop sticks deflated Lloyd’s tires, law enforcement still had to use a “PIT maneuver” to force Lloyd’s car into a ditch before he was apprehended.

Based on this evidence, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow found that an upward variance from the sentencing guidelines was appropriate because Lloyd had shown reckless disregard for the health and safety of others during the more than 20-minute high-speed chase. Judge Darrow noted that the fact there were no injuries or accidents during the chase was miraculous.

"The defendant's apprehension is a prime example of the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions working together," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas F. McMeyer. "We are thankful for the skill, dedication, and professionalism they demonstrated in the face of his dangerous flight."

“Mr. Lloyd’s actions are an example of bold disregard for the law, public safety, and the safety of law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public while apprehending a dangerous criminal,” said David Nanz, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Office. “This sentence is the result of teamwork among our partners to hold Lloyd accountable and prevent future violence.”

Lloyd received concurrent sentences of 72 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on the credit union robbery count and the interstate transportation of stolen money count. Judge Darrow further ordered that his sentence run consecutively to any sentence that is imposed in Henry County, Illinois, Case No. 2018CF216, in which he is charged with burglary of a pharmacy, theft, and aggravated fleeing or eluding a peace officer, and Clinton County, Iowa, Case No. FECR077034, in which he is charged with second-degree burglary; second-degree theft; and possession of a controlled substance, first offense.

The statutory penalties for credit union robbery are up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The statutory penalties for interstate transportation of stolen money are up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

Lloyd was indicted in July 2021 and pleaded guilty September 2021.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Moline Police Department investigated the case and were assisted by law enforcement officers from Rock Island and Davenport, Iowa. Assistant U.S. Attorney McMeyer represented the government in the prosecution.