Dallas Bank Robber Sentenced to 65 Years in Federal Prison

Defendant Brandished a Firearm in One of the Robberies

DALLAS—Convicted bank robber Benjamin A. Potts, 48, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn to a total of 65 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.

Potts, who defended himself during a three-day trial in January 2011, was convicted by a federal jury on all three counts of an indictment. 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. 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 prosecuted.