Gaithersburg Man Faces Up To 25 Years After Bank Robbery Conviction

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Gaithersburg man was found guilty by a jury on Thursday of bank robbery charges, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Samuel Harry Powell Jr., 59, faces up to 25 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 12.

On Sept. 29, 2021, at the BB&T Bank located in the 400 block of N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, Powell is accused of entering the bank wearing a medical mask. He handed the teller a note demanding U.S. currency in 100’s, 50’s and 20’s and displayed a handgun.

Powell obtained about $1,400 and left the bank, according to charging documents. The robbery was captured on surveillance video.

Powell was arrested on Oct. 1, 2021. He had previously served prison time on federal bank robbery charges stemming from prior incidents, according to the state’s attorney’s office.