Federal Way boxer, ‘Buddy Bandits,’ indicted on bank robbery charges

Federal Way professional boxer Vincent Gary Thompson was indicted for conspiracy to commit bank robbery and two counts of bank robbery.

July 8, 2014 2:27 pm
Federal Way boxer Vincent Gary Thompson (right) was recently indicted on felonious bank robbery charges. Thompson and four others are thought to be part of the bank robbery ring known as the 'Buddy Bandits.'
Federal Way boxer Vincent Gary Thompson (right) was recently indicted on felonious bank robbery charges. Thompson and four others are thought to be part of the bank robbery ring known as the 'Buddy Bandits.'

 

Federal Way professional boxer Vincent Gary Thompson was indicted for conspiracy to commit bank robbery and two counts of bank robbery.

A Pierce County Superior Court judge dismissed Thompson’s case on June 23, as he was indicted in federal court, the United States District Court for Western District of Washington, according to court documents.

Thompson’s alleged accomplices Robert C. Adams and Jeffrey D. Black were also indicted. The three men, in addition to three juveniles, began planning the alleged conspiracy in early 2014 and together pulled off between seven and 10 heists  in King, Pierce and Spokane counties between March 3 and April 24, according to charging documents.

The group, called the “Buddy Bandits,” allegedly worked in pairs to rob the banks while other members waited outside. The juveniles, including Thompson’s stepson, would also allegedly go up to tellers with a note and demand money, saying they were armed, according to court documents.

Thompson pleaded not guilty to all charges. A judge ordered Thompson’s detainment due to his criminal record that includes previous robbery and weapons charges and a number of failures to appear in court.

A jury trial date is set for Aug. 18.