WAYCROSS, Ga. – A 33-year-old Douglas man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, authorities announced Friday.
Nevada Powell was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah earlier this month.
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According to the indictment, Powell stole $38,000 from a Wells Fargo bank on April 16 "by force, violence and intimidation," which included the use of a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun and a simulated explosive device.
The indictment also alleged that prior to the robbery Powell had been convicted of a felony offense.
Authorities said the charges follow an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Douglas Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
"Our citizens should be able to patronize local businesses free from the threat of violence. The United States Department of Justice and this United States Attorney's Office consider the cessation of violent crime and the protection of American citizens to be its top priority," said U.S. attorney Edward Tarver. "We will continue to vigorously prosecute this type of activity when it occurs within federal jurisdiction."
"Mr. Powell is now federally charged with a serious armed robbery wherein he also left behind a hoax IED/explosive device for law enforcement to deal with," said J. Britt Johnson, special agent in charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. "The FBI is appreciative of the quick response by the Douglas Police Department and the Coffee County Sheriff's Office that led to Powell's capture, as well as the hard work of the GBI in the handling of that hoax IED."
Powell has been ordered to remain in custody pending trial.