TWO NEW ORLEANS MEN FACE FEDERAL BANK ROBBERY CHARGES

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARK JOHNSON, age 26, and ANOTCHE WIX, age 26, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in an indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for bank robbery, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.

Counts 1 of the indictment charges that on February 14, 2008, JOHNSON and WIX, while brandishing a firearm, attempted to rob the First Bank and Trust at 4550 General DeGaulle Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana. Count 2 charges that JOHNSON and WIX used a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

JOHNSON is charged in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, JOHNSON was convicted on July 20, 2006 in Orleans Parish with attempted possession of heroin.

If convicted of Counts 1 and 2, MARK JOHNSON AND ANOTCHE WIX face a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty five years(25) years, a fine of $250,000.00 and five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. JOHNSON faces ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and three (3) years of supervised release if convicted of Count 3.

U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian Capitelli.