MACON, Ga. – A Macon man who brandished a firearm during two credit union robberies, causing victims to suffer panic attacks and stealing a total of $38,274, is facing up to 25 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia reported.
Felix Cordes, 57, has pleaded guilty to bank robbery before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. Cordes faces a maximum of 25 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the court.
“Bank tellers were terrified when Felix Cordes walked into their workplace and threatened them with a firearm, a scene he replayed again and then attempted a third time, his final act thwarted by brave credit union employees who saw him coming with a gun and quickly locked down the bank,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.
“Cordes terrified employees and customers of three businesses throughout his crime spree,” said Robert Gibbs, supervisory senior resident agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “We are extremely grateful that no one was physically hurt or killed during these violent robberies, and thankful that Cordes is off our streets and facing justice in our federal court system.”
“Felix Cordes was a ruthless and relentless criminal who possibly could have killed innocent bank employees had he not been stopped by the diligent work of investigators,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
Tellers Experience Panic Attacks
According to the court documents and statements referenced in court, Cordes robbed MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union in Macon on April 2, 2022. Cordes attempted to disguise himself in overalls, a bandana and sunglasses. He approached the bank tellers on staff and brandished a handgun, ordering the tellers to “take the money out.” He went behind the counter and pulled cash out of two drawers, placed the money in a bag and left the scene. Some tellers experienced panic attacks from intimidation caused by Cordes. Cordes used some of the stolen money to purchase two cell phones at a Boost store, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia stated.
With the aid of an accomplice, Cordes robbed the Central Georgia Regional Credit Union in Macon on May 2, 2022. Wearing blue latex gloves and brandishing a firearm, he stole cash from the credit union, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
“He attempted to commit a third robbery on May 24, 2022, at another MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union location in Macon. This attempt was unsuccessful, because bank staff saw Cordes and an accomplice, both masked, approach the bank with a silver handgun drawn. The staff were able to lock down the bank and thwart the robbery attempt. No money was stolen,” the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence used by Cordes on April 6, 2022, and found a bandana matching the one seen on video during the first MidSouth Bank robbery video, blue latex gloves like those worn by Cordes during the second robbery, boxes corresponding to the cellphones purchased from Boost with the stolen money and a box of 9-millimeter ammunition. Cordes stole a total of $38,274 from the two credit unions, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.