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Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
curious
()
Date: July 10, 2009 04:36PM
Fairfax Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement
Smith-El Enters Guilty Pleas
By Bonnie Hobbs
Thursday, July 09, 2009
"Are you entering these pleas of guilty, freely and voluntarily, and because you are, in fact, guilty of these crimes?" asked Judge Michael McWeeny. "Yes, sir," replied Smith-El, of 3800 block of Fairfax Square.
He advised her that, by doing so, she gave up the right to a trial by jury and to confront any witnesses against her. He also noted that there’s no agreement as to her sentence, but the commonwealth previously dropped two related charges against her, in exchange for her guilty pleas on these two charges and her agreement to pay restitution.
The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Dylan Gallagher explained what the prosecution’s evidence would have been, had this case gone to trial. He said that, on Jan. 28, Vienna police responded to the Wachovia Bank on Maple Avenue for a report of a robbery.
Det. A.E. Sylmar spoke with Smith-El, who’d worked there four years and was the teller supervisor. In a Feb. 12 affidavit, Sylmar wrote that the bank later reported a loss of $66,700. But, he added, "According to bank supervisors and security, this amount of money was unusually large because Wachovia Bank has a policy that restricts the money in a teller station to $15,000."
In court, Gallagher said Smith-El told the detective that an unknown man had called the bank, the day before the robbery, to say he wanted to cash a $40,000 check. So, said Gallagher, "She signed out $55,000 to cover that withdrawal and other banking requests she’d have during the day."
"She said that, about 2:30 p.m., a black man in a hooded sweatshirt approached her and passed her a note," continued the prosecutor. "She said the note read, ‘Give me all of your money, $100s and $50s, out of your second drawer; give me the note back or I’ll shoot you.’ And she said he showed her a black-handled pistol in his jacket pocket."
However, after reviewing the surveillance tape of Smith-El giving the robber "stacks of money," said Gallagher, Sylmar became suspicious and asked her to come to the Massey Building for a polygraph test.
"When the test indicated she hadn’t told the truth, she said it was all her idea and admitted she’d been taking money from the bank for some time and was now $14,000 in debt [to the bank]," said Gallagher. "She said she took $10,000 of it in the last year."
Then, said Gallagher, "She learned that the bank would be audited soon, so she and her friend … formulated a plan to have someone commit a robbery to cover her thefts. The robber was worried about the icy condition of the roads, but she met him at a Taco Bell nearby and assured him she wouldn’t activate the alarm until he had time to get away. They’d arranged to meet at Taco Bell a few days later for her to receive her share of the money."
Judge McWeeny then found Smith-El guilty and set her sentencing for Sept. 4. He also allowed her to remain free on bond, provided she cooperates in the preparation of her pre-sentencing report.
Smith-El Enters Guilty Pleas
By Bonnie Hobbs
Thursday, July 09, 2009
"Are you entering these pleas of guilty, freely and voluntarily, and because you are, in fact, guilty of these crimes?" asked Judge Michael McWeeny. "Yes, sir," replied Smith-El, of 3800 block of Fairfax Square.
He advised her that, by doing so, she gave up the right to a trial by jury and to confront any witnesses against her. He also noted that there’s no agreement as to her sentence, but the commonwealth previously dropped two related charges against her, in exchange for her guilty pleas on these two charges and her agreement to pay restitution.
The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Dylan Gallagher explained what the prosecution’s evidence would have been, had this case gone to trial. He said that, on Jan. 28, Vienna police responded to the Wachovia Bank on Maple Avenue for a report of a robbery.
Det. A.E. Sylmar spoke with Smith-El, who’d worked there four years and was the teller supervisor. In a Feb. 12 affidavit, Sylmar wrote that the bank later reported a loss of $66,700. But, he added, "According to bank supervisors and security, this amount of money was unusually large because Wachovia Bank has a policy that restricts the money in a teller station to $15,000."
In court, Gallagher said Smith-El told the detective that an unknown man had called the bank, the day before the robbery, to say he wanted to cash a $40,000 check. So, said Gallagher, "She signed out $55,000 to cover that withdrawal and other banking requests she’d have during the day."
"She said that, about 2:30 p.m., a black man in a hooded sweatshirt approached her and passed her a note," continued the prosecutor. "She said the note read, ‘Give me all of your money, $100s and $50s, out of your second drawer; give me the note back or I’ll shoot you.’ And she said he showed her a black-handled pistol in his jacket pocket."
However, after reviewing the surveillance tape of Smith-El giving the robber "stacks of money," said Gallagher, Sylmar became suspicious and asked her to come to the Massey Building for a polygraph test.
"When the test indicated she hadn’t told the truth, she said it was all her idea and admitted she’d been taking money from the bank for some time and was now $14,000 in debt [to the bank]," said Gallagher. "She said she took $10,000 of it in the last year."
Then, said Gallagher, "She learned that the bank would be audited soon, so she and her friend … formulated a plan to have someone commit a robbery to cover her thefts. The robber was worried about the icy condition of the roads, but she met him at a Taco Bell nearby and assured him she wouldn’t activate the alarm until he had time to get away. They’d arranged to meet at Taco Bell a few days later for her to receive her share of the money."
Judge McWeeny then found Smith-El guilty and set her sentencing for Sept. 4. He also allowed her to remain free on bond, provided she cooperates in the preparation of her pre-sentencing report.
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
curious
()
Date: July 10, 2009 09:13PM
Ah yes, there was a thread about her a while back- she was robbed by the cell phone bandit, apparently was inspired to steal-
http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0209/596187.html
I cant seem to find the first thread . . .
http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0209/596187.html
I cant seem to find the first thread . . .
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
MrMephisto
()
Date: July 11, 2009 08:30AM
She had a really good plan. Too bad she was such a shitty actress.
--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.
--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
Gravis
()
Date: July 11, 2009 12:35PM
MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> She had a really good plan.
are you kidding?! robbing places in person is dangerous and evidence like tapes can easily catch this kind of shit everytime. online theft is much more secure. that said, thieves like this are greedy idiots that should have to do time and pay back 10 times the amount that they stole.
"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."
-------------------------------------------------------
> She had a really good plan.
are you kidding?! robbing places in person is dangerous and evidence like tapes can easily catch this kind of shit everytime. online theft is much more secure. that said, thieves like this are greedy idiots that should have to do time and pay back 10 times the amount that they stole.
"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
RESton Peace
()
Date: July 11, 2009 12:58PM
You presented contradicting scenarios for punishment. She can't possible earn enough money to pay back anybody 10X, and still be able to make the bills needed to live a life in which she CAN work, if she's doing time.
This is why pissed-off reactionaries like yourself are hindered from setting sentences, due to guidelines.
This is why pissed-off reactionaries like yourself are hindered from setting sentences, due to guidelines.
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
MrMephisto
()
Date: July 11, 2009 02:55PM
Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MrMephisto Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > She had a really good plan.
>
> are you kidding?! robbing places in person is
> dangerous and evidence like tapes can easily catch
> this kind of shit everytime. online theft is much
> more secure. that said, thieves like this are
> greedy idiots that should have to do time and pay
> back 10 times the amount that they stole.
To clarify: she had a really good plan for robbing a bank, but robbing a bank is generally a bad idea.
You have to admit, it was a better idea than "send a guy in to rob the place with a bomb around his neck."
--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.
-------------------------------------------------------
> MrMephisto Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > She had a really good plan.
>
> are you kidding?! robbing places in person is
> dangerous and evidence like tapes can easily catch
> this kind of shit everytime. online theft is much
> more secure. that said, thieves like this are
> greedy idiots that should have to do time and pay
> back 10 times the amount that they stole.
To clarify: she had a really good plan for robbing a bank, but robbing a bank is generally a bad idea.
You have to admit, it was a better idea than "send a guy in to rob the place with a bomb around his neck."
--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
Miggy
()
Date: July 11, 2009 03:34PM
I remember the hot chick bank teller (robber) in Burke only getting a misdemeanor. Her beaner bf got a felony.
Did Smith-El's accomplice ever get caught?
Did Smith-El's accomplice ever get caught?
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
Dylan
()
Date: July 11, 2009 03:36PM
Who the fuck takes a polygraph if your guilty, tell the detective "NO"
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
RESton Peace
()
Date: July 11, 2009 04:34PM
I wondered the same thing, Dylan... I figure she was trying to have her cake and eat it too, keep her job AND the cash. I would guess the terms of keeping her job include taking a poly when asked.
Then again, she may just be stupid. Unlike Mr. Mnfst, I think the scheme was weak and transparent.
Then again, she may just be stupid. Unlike Mr. Mnfst, I think the scheme was weak and transparent.
Border Security is CHEAPER Than Wars
Posted by:
WingNut
()
Date: July 12, 2009 07:51AM
.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2015 07:20AM by WingNut.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2015 07:20AM by WingNut.
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
tubby
()
Date: July 12, 2009 08:42AM
Meanwhile, Ken Thompson, the guy that oversaw the complete destruction of Wachovia Corp after 100+ years is kicked back somewhere enjoying his millions.
Is this a great country, or what!
Is this a great country, or what!
Re: Remember the Vienna Wachovia Robbery- Suspect Found Guilty
Posted by:
GMU Hokie
()
Date: October 16, 2009 07:00PM
Why do robbers often pick on Wachovia?
Is is something about the layout of the offices?
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Only homepage > police > news releases:
Bank Robbery in Burke
Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 09/287/1297/drgBW(7)
October 16, 2009
Bank Robbery in Burke
West Springfield Police District – A 46-year-old female teller was robbed while working at the Wachovia Bank located at 8900 Burke Lake Road. Two masked men armed with handguns, entered the bank on Wednesday, October 14 shortly after 10 a.m. and demanded money. Bank employees were placed in a room near the front of the bank. An undisclosed amount of cash was handed over and nobody was injured. It is believed these suspects are the same who committed the October 1 robbery at the Wachovia Bank located on 6260 Old Dominion Drive.
Both suspects were described as black, between 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing between 230 to 250 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Camera Photos of the Two Suspects
###
To request this information in an alternate format, call the Public Information Office at 703.246.2253. TTY 703-204-2264
Contact Us: General (Office of Public Affairs) | Technical (Web Administrator) | Directed Inquiries (County Agencies)
Phone: County Main Number - 703-FAIRFAX (703-324-7329), TTY 711 | County Phone Listing
Accessibility | Awards | FOIA | Mobile | Using this Site | Web Disclaimer & Privacy Policy
Official site of the County of Fairfax, Virginia, © Copyright 2009
**Survey: Provide Feedback About the Web Site, Including This Page**
Return to Graphic Version
WingNut Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> McWeeny, I always laugh when I hear his name.
>
> This bitch was dumb as all outdoors, if she was
> slow in calling the law, it would be pretty easy
> to tell by the video surviellence cams if she was
> dragging her feet.It would be especially funny if
> the dude she capered with burned her on her share
> and she doesn't know enough about him toget him
> busted.
>
> The couple of things I wonder are:
>
> 1) What did she do with the money in the first
> place? Was she into dope, gambling or just
> ridiciulous consumerism like the DC tax scammers?
>
> 2) Who is she snitching on and where is he now?
> Will he be charged with "armed bank robbery" when
> there was no gun and the cunt that put it all
> together gets a reduced charge?
Is is something about the layout of the offices?
Printer
Friendly Text
Size Text
Only homepage > police > news releases:
Bank Robbery in Burke
Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 09/287/1297/drgBW(7)
October 16, 2009
Bank Robbery in Burke
West Springfield Police District – A 46-year-old female teller was robbed while working at the Wachovia Bank located at 8900 Burke Lake Road. Two masked men armed with handguns, entered the bank on Wednesday, October 14 shortly after 10 a.m. and demanded money. Bank employees were placed in a room near the front of the bank. An undisclosed amount of cash was handed over and nobody was injured. It is believed these suspects are the same who committed the October 1 robbery at the Wachovia Bank located on 6260 Old Dominion Drive.
Both suspects were described as black, between 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing between 230 to 250 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Camera Photos of the Two Suspects
###
To request this information in an alternate format, call the Public Information Office at 703.246.2253. TTY 703-204-2264
Contact Us: General (Office of Public Affairs) | Technical (Web Administrator) | Directed Inquiries (County Agencies)
Phone: County Main Number - 703-FAIRFAX (703-324-7329), TTY 711 | County Phone Listing
Accessibility | Awards | FOIA | Mobile | Using this Site | Web Disclaimer & Privacy Policy
Official site of the County of Fairfax, Virginia, © Copyright 2009
**Survey: Provide Feedback About the Web Site, Including This Page**
Return to Graphic Version
WingNut Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> McWeeny, I always laugh when I hear his name.
>
> This bitch was dumb as all outdoors, if she was
> slow in calling the law, it would be pretty easy
> to tell by the video surviellence cams if she was
> dragging her feet.It would be especially funny if
> the dude she capered with burned her on her share
> and she doesn't know enough about him toget him
> busted.
>
> The couple of things I wonder are:
>
> 1) What did she do with the money in the first
> place? Was she into dope, gambling or just
> ridiciulous consumerism like the DC tax scammers?
>
> 2) Who is she snitching on and where is he now?
> Will he be charged with "armed bank robbery" when
> there was no gun and the cunt that put it all
> together gets a reduced charge?