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Friday, June 05, 2009 6:00 PM Charges dropped against man in Elm City bank robbery Seven others still face charges in connection with the incident By Gina Childress | Times Staff Writer One of the eight suspects arrested for allegedly being involved in the bank robbery at the BB&T branch in Elm City on Dec. 12 had the charges dismissed against him this week at the state and federal levels. According to Felice McConnell Corpening, assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the charges against Rodney Barnes, 40, of 1800 Freeman St., Wilson, have been dismissed. Corpening would not make any further comment about the matter stating that the case is still ongoing and it would be against policy to do so. However, she did confirm that six of the suspects, Anthony Atkinson, 25, of 610 N. Parker St., Elm City, Vernon Atkinson Jr., 28, of 6252 Joyner Road, Elm City, Matthew Farr Jr., 21, of 500 Beavue Road, Elm City, Brian Lucas, 21, of 1211 Scott Road, Rocky Mount, Marcus Wiley, 19, of 605 Lynhaven Drive, Elm City and Jerry Barnes, 31, of 212 Morgan St., Elm City, have been indicted by a federal grand jury this week. A seventh suspect, Kendrick Barnes, 22, of 613 Main St., Elm City still has charges pending against him. There was no clear indication whether they would be state or federal charges. Wilson attorney Mark Bibbs, who represented Barnes since his arrest, said that he and his client are glad that a thorough investigation has been completed and that his client will not be pursued by the State of North Carolina or the federal government. "This has been a long and tough struggle for my client and his family and friends," Bibbs said Friday. "We have maintained from the beginning that Mr. Barnes had absolutely nothing to do with the robbery that occurred at the BB&T in Elm City before and after (the robbery). However, because he was related to individuals who were involved, we believe that is where the charges stemmed from. Now that there has been a thorough investigation by the Wilson Sheriff's Office, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, it is clear that my client, Mr. Barnes, had nothing to do with the bank robbery that occurred in December at BB&T. I have represented him from the beginning at the time he was arrested up until now, and I am pleased to say that justice has been served." Bibbs said his client was not at the scene of the bank robbery, did not meet with the persons involved after the robbery, nor did he get any of the money that was taken from BB&T. "He knew nothing of the robbery until after he was questioned by investigators," he said. Major John Farmer declined to make any statement about the dismissal of charges against Barnes because of the cases pending against the other people involved. Bibbs also stated no immunity deal was made with federal prosecutors and that if his client were to be called as a witness during any potential trial, he would cooperate fully. "In my discussions with the U.S. Attorney's office no grant of immunity has been offered, given or accepted," Bibbs said. "My client will testify if called without immunity." Bibbs said Barnes is looking forward to moving on with his life without an indictment and is glad to be free of being a target of a federal investigation and having his reputation back. "He is looking forward to taking care of his family, his business and moving forward," he said. gina@wilsontimes.com | 265-7821 |
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Wilsonian said...
No, I believe Mr Bibbs got into some trouble for drinking at his office before he walked over to the courthouse. It's my understanding that he had a drinking problem and he's gotten help for it. You can't really fault him for that. At least he got help and is apparently moving on. I'm glad Mr Barnes was cleared if the FBI and investigators feel he had nothing to do with the robbery.
Monday, June 08, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Yep said...No, I believe Mr Bibbs got into some trouble for drinking at his office before he walked over to the courthouse. It's my understanding that he had a drinking problem and he's gotten help for it. You can't really fault him for that. At least he got help and is apparently moving on. I'm glad Mr Barnes was cleared if the FBI and investigators feel he had nothing to do with the robbery.
Monday, June 08, 2009 at 11:32 AM
He sure was...convicted in August of 06 then spent a total of 14 days in prison in Jan & Feb of this year...
Monday, June 08, 2009 at 8:27 AM
now? I wonder how high Mr. Barnes' bond was?
Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Didnt Mark Bibbs spend time in prison for a DWI? How is this man practicing law?!?!?!
Friday, June 05, 2009 at 10:05 PM
