The United States Attorney's Office

Eastern District of Virginia

Alexandria - Richmond - Newport News - Norfolk USAO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2007

Jim Rybicki  Further Information Contact:
Public Information Officer  Margaret Jahn
Phone (703) 842-4050
Fax: (703) 549-5202
  Phone: (757) 591-4000
Email: usavae.press@usdoj.gov

Web Address: www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae

(Newport News, Virginia) – Irvin Duane Banks, age 34, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced October 15, 2007, to 27 ½ years in prison, for robbing the Virginia Educators Credit Union in Newport News, Virginia, and the burglary and theft of firearms from Winfree Firearms in York County, Virginia. Chuck Rosenberg, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Jerome B. Friedman.

The crimes were connected as the pistol discharged into the ceiling during the robbery at the Credit Union on February 1, 2007, was stolen in the burglary of the firearms dealer on December 13, 2006. This case is part of a series of prosecutions to combat violent crimes in the City of Newport News.

This case was investigated by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Newport News Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bradenham, II prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.