Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 20, 1993 TAG: 9310200243
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG LESMERISES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Larry C. Robinson, 43, of Roanoke was found guilty by a federal jury on charges of armed bank robbery and use of a firearm for last spring's holdup of the Crossroads branch of Crestar Bank in which $17,354 was taken.
Robinson robbed two tellers at gunpoint with a .38-caliber revolver on the afternoon of May 27 as they were counting money for an automated teller machine. The robbery was recorded by the bank's video cameras, and the tape was used as evidence in the trial.
Robinson was arrested by FBI agents and Roanoke and Salem police June 21 outside the Salem Econo-Lodge.
He also is accused of trying, with two other inmates, to escape from the Roanoke City Jail on July 26. According to police, the inmates tied together several torn sheets, but the sheets broke before Robinson had a chance to slide down them. He broke his leg while trying to climb back into a rooftop recreation area where the escape started, police said. A grand jury indicted him last month on a charge of attempted escape.
Robinson's right leg was still in a full cast during the trial.
The defense claimed the trial was a case of mistaken identity, and that no witnesses could positively identify Robinson. The defense also disputed evidence brought by an FBI forensic photography expert who compared photos of Robinson with still shots from the robbery video footage.
The two-day trial ended after the jury deliberated for about an hour.
Robinson was out on parole at the time of the robbery. He was convicted of murder for a 1978 Richmond-area slaying and served 13 years of a 51-year sentence.
Robinson was taken into the custody of U.S. marshals Tuesday and will remain in Roanoke City Jail. A sentencing date has not been set.
by CNB