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Disadvantaged Black Youths Used In String of 175 Bank Robberies Los Angeles Sentinel; 11/10/1993; James Bolden Los Angeles Sentinel 11-10-1993 Disadvantaged Black Youths Used In String of 175 Bank Robberies. By JAMES BOLDEN Staff Writer Using testimonies of the young co-defendants manipulated into committing up to 175 bank robberies, federal prosecutors were successful Monday in securing lengthy sentences for the two adult ring leaders, reputed members of the Rollin' 60's Crip gang. According to FBI investigators, who along with local authorities the two would recruit disadvantaged youths from various locations including high school and college campuses solely for the purpose of actively participating in the crime sprees. Among the recruits, many were young gang "wannabes" out to make a name for themselves. Others were teenagers addicted to drugs, easily tempted by the lure of quick cash. Robert "Cas" Brown, 23, of Los Angeles and Donzell "C-Dog" Thompson, 24, of Carson each received sentences of 30 to 25 years respectively, for masterminding the robberies that prosecutors said would go from one part of the city to another, robbing as many as five banks per day. "They'd (the gang) start at one end of Los Angeles and go all the way to the other side," said Special Assistant U.S. Atty John S. Wiley Jr. "They even went to Las Vegas." Brown, nicknamed "Casper" after the cartoon character in "Casper the Friendly Ghost," was reportedly the unseen presence behind a majority of the robberies which date back to 1989. An FBI official was quoted as saying "Brown has robbed more banks than any one else in the history of the United States." Although Thompson did not become an accomplice until 1992, he faced mandatory sentence of more than 100 years if convicted. But the two instead entered pleas reducing their federal prison time substantially. With time off for good behavior, 85 percent of the sentence must be served. The recruits, who were as young as 13-years-old, were supplied with guns--if they did not already have access--apillowcase to carry money from the heist, an untraceable stolen car and, of course, a selected bank and plan to attack it. Over a period of time, prosecutors said, several of the recruits arrested in fouled-up robberies began to supply investigators with needed information which eventually led to the arrests of the two men. While FBI officials described the May 28 arrests of the defendants as a very "carefully planned operation," the two were said to have been illusive prior to being taken into custody. Thompson was arrested at a local motel and shortly thereafter, Brown was seized at a local residence. News Topics | Home | Research | History | Blood Gangs | Crip Gangs | People| Life in a Gang | Gallery | Iraqi Cards | Memorial | Migration | Graffiti | Resume| Injunctions Homicides | Maps | California Prisons | Contact

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