Prior Federal Offender Charged In Bank Robbery Spree

BOSTON – A previously convicted federal bank robber, most recently living in Brockton, was charged today with robbing five banks and attempting to rob a sixth.

James Patterson, 46, was charged today with five counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery while on supervised release. According to court records, in 2001, Patterson was convicted in U.S. District Court in Boston of bank robbery and sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

The indictment alleges that between April 16, 2014, and July 20, 2014, Patterson robbed the Beverly Bank on Dodge Street in Beverly, the People’s United Bank on Dodge Street in Beverly, the Century Bank on Fellsway West in Somerville, the South Shore Bank on Turnpike Street in Stoughton, and the North Shore Bank on Highland Avenue in Salem. Court filings allege that, on each occasion, the robber was wearing sunglasses and latex or rubber gloves and covering his lower face with a bandana or clothing. After entering each bank, Patterson allegedly announced that it was a robbery, told those present to put their hands up, and demanded large bills.

On Aug. 4, 2014, federal agents, who were conducting physical surveillance on Patterson, arrested him as he allegedly approached and attempted to rob the Century Bank on Cambridge Street in Burlington. Patterson was on federal supervised release during all of the events.

The charging statutes provide a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and restitution. The charging statutes also provide an additional consecutive sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison if the offense was committed while on federal supervised release. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander H. Berlin of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.