THREE MEN CHARGED IN ARMED ROBBERY OF AMSOUTH BANK IN MURFREESBORO

Nashville, TN - May 24, 2006- Jim Vines, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, announced that Richard Blackmon, 18, Kumar Ladonn Bishop, 26, and Rogers Tillmon Smedley, 19, all of Nashville, Tennessee, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Nashville, on charges that include armed bank robbery, use of firearms in connection with a crime of violence, and carjacking. All three defendants were charged with the bank robbery and firearms offenses, and face maximum penalties of 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge and a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the firearms charge. Only Richard Blackmon was charged with carjacking, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000

According to the indictment, on May 9, 2006, Blackmon, Bishop and Smedley robbed $324,673 from the AmSouth Bank located at 1590 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro. They used firearms during the course of the robbery. After the robbery, Blackmon stole a vehicle by force in Murfreesboro. He used a firearm during the course of the carjacking.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Murfreesboro Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Kent for the Middle District of Tennessee will prosecute the case on behalf of the United States.

The public is reminded that an indictment merely represents an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty.