Memphis, Tennessee, January 21, 2026
A federal jury in Memphis has convicted 45-year-old Mario Patterson for leading a violent bank robbery spree that resulted in multiple shootings and significant theft. Patterson and his accomplices targeted several banks over an eight-month period, causing fear and disruption in the community. His conviction is seen as a vital step in addressing violent crime in the area, with his sentencing set for 2026, as well as the ongoing legal proceedings for his co-defendants.
Memphis, Tennessee: Federal Jury Convicts Bank Robbery Ringleader Mario Patterson
Memphis, Tennessee – A federal jury has convicted 45-year-old Mario Patterson for leading a series of violent bank robberies in Memphis, including one that resulted in the shooting of two individuals.
Conviction Details
Patterson was found guilty of robbing three banks and participating in a group that robbed a total of five bank branches over an eight-month period from April to December 2023. During these robberies, Patterson carried firearms and, in one instance, used an assault rifle to shoot two people. The group collectively stole over $160,000 from Memphis-area banks.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Patterson’s sentencing is scheduled for April 24, 2026. He is the last of eight defendants involved in this case to be charged with robberies and related firearm offenses. Three of his co-defendants—Robert Haley, Devin Hinds, and Joshua Cribbs—were sentenced in late 2025, receiving 17, 16, and 12 years in prison, respectively. The remaining four co-defendants—Travis Drain, Monterrio Trenell, Marquarius Trenell, and Courtney Trenell—are awaiting sentencing later this year.
Background Context
The series of bank robberies began in April 2023 and continued through December 2023. Patterson and his co-defendants targeted multiple bank branches across Memphis, employing firearms and, in some cases, assault rifles to intimidate bank employees and customers. The group attempted to rob the same bank branch twice during this period. Their criminal activities have been described as a violent robbery spree that put lives in grave danger and seriously injured innocent people.
Community Impact
The convictions of Patterson and his co-defendants have been welcomed by the Memphis community, as they bring to justice individuals responsible for a series of violent crimes that terrorized local residents and disrupted the safety of public spaces. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to address and prevent violent crimes in the region.
Related Legal Actions
In related developments, a federal jury convicted a Tennessee man of four armed robberies of United States postal carriers and bank fraud. The individual faces a mandatory statutory minimum sentence of 28 years in federal prison.
Conclusion
The conviction of Mario Patterson and his co-defendants marks a significant step in addressing the issue of violent bank robberies in Memphis. The legal proceedings underscore the commitment of the justice system to hold individuals accountable for crimes that endanger public safety and the well-being of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the charges against Mario Patterson?
Mario Patterson was convicted of robbing three banks and participating in a group that robbed a total of five bank branches over an eight-month period from April to December 2023. During these robberies, he carried firearms and, in one instance, used an assault rifle to shoot two people. The group collectively stole over $160,000 from Memphis-area banks.
When is Patterson’s sentencing scheduled?
Patterson’s sentencing is scheduled for April 24, 2026. He is the last of eight defendants involved in this case to be charged with robberies and related firearm offenses.
What is the impact of these convictions on the Memphis community?
The convictions of Patterson and his co-defendants have been welcomed by the Memphis community, as they bring to justice individuals responsible for a series of violent crimes that terrorized local residents and disrupted the safety of public spaces. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to address and prevent violent crimes in the region.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Mario Patterson, 45 |
| Conviction | Guilty of robbing three banks and participating in a group that robbed a total of five bank branches over an eight-month period from April to December 2023 |
| Sentencing Date | April 24, 2026 |
| Co-Defendants’ Sentences | Robert Haley (17 years), Devin Hinds (16 years), Joshua Cribbs (12 years); remaining four co-defendants awaiting sentencing later this year |
| Community Impact | Convictions welcomed by the Memphis community, highlighting efforts to address and prevent violent crimes in the region |
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