Man Sentenced for Martha’s Vineyard Bank Robbery in 2022
Miquel Anthonio Jones, 33, of Edgartown, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for arranging a 2022 armed bank robbery in Martha’s Vineyard. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts, announced this significant development in the case on Wednesday.
The Robbery Conspiracy
Jones, along with Omar Odion Johnson, Romane Andre Clayton, and Tevin Porter, conspired to commit an armed robbery at the Rockland Trust bank branch in Vineyard Haven in November 2022. Jones, a Martha’s Vineyard native, played a leading role in planning and executing the robbery. He purchased materials for the heist, including dark-colored clothing, plastic masks, zip ties, duct tape, and paid Johnson to bring a gun.
On the day of the robbery, Jones met with Johnson and Clayton to finalize the details of the plan before driving to the bank. The group spent the night at Jones’ residence in Edgartown, preparing for the next morning’s events. Jones drove the group to the bank, where they carried out the robbery wearing plastic masks and brandishing handguns.
The Robbery Incident
Inside the bank, the robbers forced employees to open the vault at gunpoint, stealing approximately $39,100. The employees were then bound with duct tape and zip ties while their belongings were searched. Jones, Porter, and Johnson fled the scene in an employee’s car, meeting up with Clayton before driving to a state forest to leave the vehicle.
After the robbery, Jones hid the stolen money in his bedroom, while Johnson left Martha’s Vineyard to meet up with Porter and Clayton in New Hampshire. The group attempted to cover their tracks by burying the firearms and burning the robbery equipment.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Jones’ sentencing to 10 years in federal prison will be followed by three years of supervised release. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023, with additional charges brought in April 2023. Clayton, Johnson, and Porter have also pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing in January.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the severity of armed bank robbery and the importance of protecting communities from such criminal behavior. This case serves as a reminder that violent crimes have no place in our society.
As Lindsay Shachnow, a reporter for Boston.com, covers the latest breaking news, crime, and politics in New England, this story sheds light on the consequences of criminal conduct and the pursuit of justice in the face of brazen criminal behavior.