Federal Jury Convicts Oklahoma City Man of Armed Bank Robbery

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted AKIN ZHON WOFFORD, 29, of Oklahoma City, of armed bank robbery and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On February 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Wofford, charging him with armed bank robbery and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On August 21, 2024, a federal jury convicted Wofford on both counts.

According to evidence presented at trial, on November 7, 2022, Wofford entered a branch of City National Bank and Trust in Oklahoma City. After he waited several minutes in the lobby, Wofford jumped over the teller counter, pulled out a firearm, pointed it at a bank employee, and demanded money. Wofford then opened the teller drawer and grabbed handfuls of cash before he exited the bank. An investigation into the vehicle used during the bank robbery ultimately led authorities to Wofford. Law enforcement later searched Wofford’s residence and found clothes similar to those worn by Wofford during the bank robbery. He was arrested on November 18, 2022.

At sentencing, Wofford faces up to 25 years in federal prison for the armed bank robbery charge, and no less than seven years and up to life in federal prison for the firearm charge, which is to be served consecutively with the armed bank robbery sentence.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilson D. McGarry, Daniel Gridley, and Stanley J. West prosecuted the case.

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.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.