MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A federal jury in Memphis has found a Tennessee man guilty of committing three bank robberies and attempting a fourth, which resulted in a shootout that left two individuals injured, as announced by federal prosecutors on Tuesday.
Mario Patterson, 45, was convicted on Friday for robbing three banks and being part of a conspiracy that aimed at five bank branches throughout Memphis. He is the final defendant among eight charged in this case, with all having been convicted either through trials or guilty pleas.
Prosecutors indicated that the robberies took place over an eight-month span from April to December 2023. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Patterson and his accomplices consistently targeted banks in the Memphis area, even making attempts to rob the same branch on two occasions.
Authorities reported that Patterson was armed with a firearm during each robbery. In one attempted heist, he discharged an assault rifle, injuring two people. In another incident, Patterson donned a bulletproof vest and aimed a rifle at bank staff while a co-defendant gathered thousands of dollars from the bank. By the conclusion of their crime spree, the group had stolen over $160,000, as per court documents.
“This defendant was part of a violent robbery crew whose actions put lives in grave danger and seriously injured innocent people,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The series of bank robberies committed by these eight defendants terrorized bank employees and customers.”
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee said the armed robberies spread fear throughout the community. “These brazen and disturbing armed robberies of multiple Memphis banks by Patterson and his co-conspirators terrorized the community and inflicted fear and harm on multiple victims,” Dunavant said, adding that the convictions will make the city safer.
FBI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico said the verdict sends a clear warning. “Violent crime will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will not rest until violent offenders are caught, prosecuted, and held accountable,” he said.
Patterson is scheduled to be sentenced April 24 and faces significant prison time.
Several of his co-defendants have already been sentenced. Robert Haley received 17 years in federal prison, Devin Hinds was sentenced to 16 years and one month, and Joshua Cribbs received 12 years. Four others — Travis Drain, Monterrio Trenell, Marquarius Trenell, and Courtney Trenell — are expected to be sentenced later this year.
