Maryland Man Admits to String of Bank Robberies and Firearms Offenses

An Upper Marlboro, Maryland man has pleaded guilty to multiple bank robbery and firearms charges stemming from a series of incidents that occurred in Maryland and Virginia. The plea entered by Wesley Phillip Wilson, Jr., 44, encompasses four completed bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery between November 19 and December 7, 2020.

According to court documents, Wilson’s criminal activity began on November 19, 2020, with the robbery of a bank in Prince George’s County, Maryland. During this incident, he presented a teller with a note demanding $20,000 and threatening a firearm, ultimately leaving with approximately $1,570. Just four days later, on November 23, Wilson robbed an Anne Arundel County, Maryland bank of $2,709, again using a note to convey his demands and threats.

The spree continued on November 25 with an attempted robbery in Woodbridge, Virginia. Wilson approached a teller, brandished a handgun, and demanded money. However, the teller attempted to activate a silent alarm, causing Wilson to flee without any funds. He then robbed a Montgomery County, Maryland bank on November 28, absconding with $3,000. His final act of this nature occurred on December 7 in Manassas, Virginia, where he robbed two bank employees of approximately $6,135 at gunpoint.

Following the December 7 robbery, law enforcement utilized a GPS tracker from the stolen money to locate Wilson at a shopping center in Manassas, Virginia. Upon his arrest, Wilson confessed to his involvement in the Prince William County bank robbery. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed proceeds from previous robberies and the 9mm handgun and ammunition used in the offenses. During a post-arrest interview, Wilson admitted to all five bank-related incidents.

Wilson faces significant federal penalties for these crimes. He could receive up to 20 years in prison for the bank robbery charge. For the armed bank robbery and attempted armed bank robbery charges, the maximum sentence is 25 years. Furthermore, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years, up to a life sentence, to be served consecutively, for using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Maryland and the Eastern District of Virginia, along with multiple local police departments and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, were involved in the investigation.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

---