United States Attorney Maxwell Wood, Middle District of Georgia, announces the guilty verdict after a jury trial of MICHAEL L. CHAMBLISS, age 26, and ERIC P. THOMAS, age 24, both residents of Macon, Georgia before United States District Judge Hugh Lawson.

CHAMBLISS and THOMAS were found guilty of Bank Robbery By Force, Title 18 United States Code §2113(a) and (d) and Title 18 United States Code § 2; and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Title 18 United States Code § 924(c)(1)(A)(I) and (ii) and Title 18 United States Code § 2.

CHAMBLISS and THOMAS by force, violence and intimidation did take from the SunTrust Bank on Hartley Bridge Road in Macon, Georgia approximately $12,200.00. During the commission of this crime CHAMBLISS and THOMAS, along with others, brandished a Rossi, .38 caliber pistol jeopardizing the life of another.

Defendants face a possible maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment as to the bank robbery by force and a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of seven years to life imprisonment as to the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date to be decided by the Court.

The investigation was conducted by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin.