Former Washburn Athlete, Topeka Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for Bank Robbery

TOPEKA, KS—A former Washburn University football player and a Topeka woman have been sentenced for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Vershon Moore, 21, Topeka, Kansas, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Co-defendant Tracie Bacon, 22, Topeka, also was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

In their pleas, Moore admitted that on August 9, 2011, he robbed the Envista Credit Union at 2015 SW 10th in Topeka. Bacon, who was an employee of the bank, admitted she helped Moore plan the robbery.

Moore admitted he held up two bank employees when they stepped outside the bank carrying cash to refill the ATM. He pulled up to them driving a white SUV, wearing a mask to cover his face, and brandishing a handgun. Investigators learned that Bacon provided Moore with information about the schedule for putting cash in the ATM, and she sent a text to Moore shortly before the robbery. Investigators recovered the stolen money and a gun from the basement of Bacon’s home.

Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.