
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 6, 1991                   TAG: 9103060386
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

JUDGE SUPPORTS ROBBERY CHARGES

U.S. Magistrate Glen Conrad on Tuesday found there was probable cause to support charges against three suspects in a string of bank robberies in Roanoke, Bedford and Lynchburg.

Thomas William Robinson, Tina Marie O'Meara and Jerry Lee Brewer were arrested Friday in connection with six bank robberies that began Jan. 25 at the Southwest Virginia Savings Bank in Southwest Roanoke.

The only substantive charge against them so far is of conspiring to rob the CorEast Federal Savings Bank off Virginia 419 in Southwest Roanoke County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Scott said Tuesday that he "anticipates other charges forthcoming."

Three people fled the CorEast branch with approximately $17,000, according to an affidavit. Dye packs concealed with the money exploded, however, and the money was recovered a short distance from the bank.

A combined total of about $40,000 was taken from the six banks, according to an affidavit.

Prosecutors asked that Robinson, of Pawleys Island, S.C.; O'Meara, of Salem; and Brewer, of Lynchburg, be held without bond.

The court appointed Vincent Lilley to represent Robinson, Steven Agee to represent O'Meara and Linda Uttal to represent Brewer.

by CNB