A convicted bank robber who was released early from federal prison through a “compassionate release” program returns to the robbers for the same crime he was originally sent for.
Markham David Bond was found guilty Thursday by a federal jury in Los Angeles of one count of obstruction of commerce by robbery, one count of use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. received the verdict. According to US Department of Justice.
Bond, 61, robbed a Brinks delivery worker at gunpoint on August 18, 2023, in a Chase Bank parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport.
The man approached the driver of the armored vehicle, pointed a handgun and demanded money.
Fearing for his life, the Brinks employee dropped his duffel bag containing cash and followed Bond's orders.
The convicted fraudster then snatched the bag and fled the scene, taking $145,000 in cash.
Bond was arrested on November 22, 2023, and after searching Bond's residence and the getaway car used in the robbery, police discovered a treasure trove of evidence linking him to the robbery.
Investigators said they recovered cash from the robbery hidden in a “mini-fridge” in the home, a .40-caliber handgun with 10 rounds of ammunition, and the shirt worn during the crime. did. An empty Brinks bag was found in the getaway vehicle.
After his arrest, it was revealed that the brazen robber, who was convicted of bank robbery and other firearms offenses in the mid-'90s, was released from custody in early 2022 on “compassionate” grounds, according to a Department of Justice report. It became.
“After being given a second chance at life, this defendant sadly chose a path of violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.
Bonds was convicted and sentenced in January 1995 to 46 years and 10 months in prison.
However, he was granted mercy release after serving just 26 years in prison.
Bonds was on supervised release when he robbed a Brinks employee at gunpoint in 2023.
“Through our strong partnerships with federal and local law enforcement, we will continue to leverage our resources to protect our communities by holding violent criminals who use guns accountable,” Estrada said. Ta.
The California felon also had a long criminal history dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, including armed robbery, use of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
According to the law, “compassionate release” is a legal process that allows prisoners to be released early for “special and compelling reasons” such as serious health problems, advanced age, or significant family circumstances. be. United States Sentencing Commission.
It is unclear why Bonds was granted release in 2022.
The serial felon's sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11, 2025, and he could face the statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
