Seven Indicted in Connection to Armed “Bank Jugging” Robberies Across Five Maryland Counties

Seven individuals have been indicted following an extensive investigation into two organized criminal groups allegedly responsible for a series of violent armed robberies targeting bank customers across five Maryland counties. The indictments, announced by Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, include charges such as attempted murder, armed carjacking, gang participation, and firearms violations. Authorities say the defendants committed 34 robberies and attempted robberies between August 2023 and July 2024, using escalating violence to steal over $155,000 from unsuspecting victims.

The alleged crimes occurred primarily in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Charles, and Montgomery counties. Law enforcement officials say the first group operated from August 2023 through January 2024, targeting customers at banks including Navy Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Capitol One, and Wells Fargo. After multiple arrests disrupted the first group, a second group is alleged to have carried out similar attacks between May and July 2024. Both groups used the tactic known as “bank jugging,” which involves following individuals who have withdrawn money and robbing them shortly after.

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit began their inquiry after identifying a pattern of victims being held at gunpoint shortly after visiting banks. The accused reportedly escalated their methods over time, from parking lot robberies to following victims to secondary locations including homes and businesses. In one instance, the group reportedly used their car to crash into a victim’s vehicle to force them to stop, before robbing them.

Authorities highlighted the severity of the violence involved in these crimes, stating that firearms were regularly pointed at victims’ heads, and on multiple occasions, shots were fired during the robberies. Two attempted murders have been linked to the suspects, with incidents including gunfire as victims tried to flee. The suspects are also alleged to have used illegal “Glock switches,” converting handguns into fully automatic weapons. In some cases, victims were punched, struck with firearms, or placed in chokeholds to force compliance.

The individuals indicted include Tyriq Jayron Walker, Gary Gerald Cloutterbuck, Zavier Emmanuel Williams, Robert Darrell Hill, Dujuan Kenneth Smalls, Roland Adrian Thompson, and Jeremy Adarryn Manago. They face a range of charges related to gang activity, violence, and weapons offenses. Law enforcement agencies from local, state, and federal levels contributed to the investigation, which concluded with the arrests and indictments of the suspects. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Office of the Maryland Attorney General

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