Man Gets 11 Years For Violent Bucks Co. Robberies

BENSALEM, PA — A man who robbed a string of banks and businesses in Lower Bucks County in late 2018 and early 2019 will spend more than a decade behind bars.

Marshall Brooks, 54, of Trevose, was sentenced in federal court on Friday to 135 months in prison.

In July, Brooks pleaded guilty to the armed robberies of two banks and four stores, all in Lower Bucks. Prosecutors say he used actual and threatened force, violence and fear in the robberies, which happened in Bensalem, Bristol, Trevose and Feasterville.

During the spree, prosecutors say, Brooks held a weapon directly against employees' and customers' bodies and held them hostage while he stole money and merchandise from the businesses.

The spree happened just one month after Brooks was released from prison after serving a 15-year sentence for another bank robbery.

"When Brooks was released from his 15-year prison sentence, he had a choice: he could become a law-abiding citizen or he could revert to his criminal ways," said U.S. Attorney William McSwain. "Unfortunately for the victims he terrorized during his crime spree, he took the latter path – the one that will lead him straight back to prison.

"The streets of lower Bucks County are far safer now that Brooks will be spending the next decade behind bars."

Tara McMahon, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Philadelphia division, focused on the violent nature of the robberies.

"Imagine being physically manhandled by a stranger aiming a gun at you, demanding money," McMahon said. "It isn’t something terrified armed robbery victims soon forget. Brooks is a clear danger to the public, and today’s sentence ensures he’ll remain behind bars for quite some time."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bensalem Police Department, Bristol Borough Police Department and Lower Southampton Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya T. De Souza.