Federal Jury Finds Dallas Man Guilty of Robbing Two Banks

Defendant Brandished a Firearm in One of the Robberies

DALLAS — A bank robber, Benjamin A. Potts, who defended himself during a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn, was convicted by a federal jury on all three counts of an indictment, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Specifically, the jury found Potts guilty of two counts of bank robbery and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Potts, 48, faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years on count one, 25 years on count two and not less than seven years on count three. Sentencing is set for April 22, 2011 before Judge Lynn.

The jury found Potts guilty of robbing Liberty Federal Savings Bank,

6220 Gaston Avenue

in Dallas on January 8, 2010. In addition, they found him guilty of using a handgun when he robbed the Wachovia Bank,

9508 Garland Road

in Dallas, on January 19, 2010.

The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phelesa Guy and Brandon McCarthy are in charge of the prosecution.