Miquel Anthonio Jones, 33, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today for his role in planning and executing an armed robbery at a Rockland Trust bank in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, on November 17, 2022. Jones, the sole local member of the group, conspired with individuals from New Hampshire, Jamaica, and Connecticut to carry out the heist.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Jones planned the robbery, supplying essential materials such as masks, zip ties, and duct tape. He also paid Omar Odion Johnson to bring a firearm to the scene. On the day of the robbery, the group ambushed three bank employees, forcibly entering the bank while wearing masks and brandishing handguns. They held one employee at gunpoint to open the vault and stole $39,100.
After the robbery, the criminals bound the employees with zip ties and duct tape, then fled the scene in an employee’s vehicle. They abandoned the car at Manuel Correllus State Forest and used another vehicle to continue their escape. Jones later attempted to cover up the crime by burying firearms and burning evidence, including the masks and stolen cash, which he hid in his bedroom.
“Miquel Antonio Jones orchestrated and led a calculated and violent robbery that terrorized bank employees and the surrounding community,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “His conduct left lasting emotional scars, and today, he is paying a significant price for his actions.”
The other members of the robbery crew—Clayton, Johnson, and Porter—have pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing in January 2025.
This 10-year sentence serves as a stern reminder that violent, premeditated crimes will not be tolerated, and those who jeopardize the safety of their communities will face serious consequences.