Men Found Guilty Of Plotting To Rob Silver Spring, DC Banks

WASHINGTON, DC — A U.S. District Court jury found two men guilty of conspiracy to rob banks in Silver Spring and DC, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.

The guilty are identified as Steve Jamal Smith—also known as Jabrail Love—23, of Hyattsville, and John King Lionell—also known as Rashad Lionell—24, of DC.

Prosecutors said Smith and Lionell tried to rob a BB&T Bank in the 3100 block of 14th St NW in DC on Jan. 26, 2016. The teller did not give them any money, so they fled the scene, court documents show.

The two men then got on the Metro and rode to Silver Spring, prosecutors said. They then tried to rob the Capital One Bank in the 8600 block of Georgia Ave., prosecutors said. Smith displayed a note to the teller demanding money, while Lionell stood next to him.

Smith told the teller: “Put your hands up ... Don’t put your hands down,” prosecutors sad. They did not receive any money at this bank, either, and left the branch.

The defendants were indicted in June 2017 and remain in custody pending sentencing. Smith will be sentenced on Feb. 2, 2018 and Lionell on Feb. 22, 2018.

Patch File Photo