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Two charged in connection with bank robbery

By Bethany Krajelis, The Southern

Saturday, August 11, 2007 7:19 AM CDT

JONESBORO - A Union County couple was charged Friday in connection with Thursday's robbery of First State Bank in Dongola after more than $4,000 fell from a pair of shorts the suspect was wearing while police were questioning him only hours after the crime.

Samuel L. Yates, 31, was charged with aggravated armed robbery and armed violence. His wife, Laurie M. Yates, 40, was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed violence.

Brian Trambley, Union County assistant state's attorney, referred to the couple's arrest as a strange set of events during a press conference Friday at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

The bank robbery, which is remains under investigation by Illinois State Police, occurred at about 1:20 p.m. Thursday at the First State Bank's Front Street location. Union County Sheriff David Livesay said the suspect, who had a bandana covering his face, displayed a small caliber handgun, announced it was a robbery and demanded money from the teller.

The suspect fled the scene in a silver Chrysler convertible, which was spotted about two hours later by a police officer at the intersection of Illniois 37 and Illinois 146 in Johnson County, about four miles from Vienna.

Trambley said the officer spotted the car, which pulled off to the side of the road without police instruction. Samuel Yates appeared to be checking the tire of the car when the officer approached him, he said.

He said $4,100 fell out of the leg of Yates' shorts and another $1,600 was recovered after he was arrested. Trambley said there is the potential that an additional $1,900 taken from the bank is unaccounted for, but said he had to confer with the bank.

Trambley said Samuel Yates gave a statement to police implicating himself and his wife in the bank robbery. Both Yates' have prior criminal history, Trambley said, adding that Samuel Yates was previously charged with a drug-related offense.

The married couple remained in police custody Friday, after a judge set their bail at $250,000 each. They are set to appear in court Monday morning. If found guilty, could each face 15 to 30 years in prison for each charge.

bethany.krajelis@thesouthern.com

351-5816