Suspected bank robber nabbed, left cell phone at scene

July 3, 2009 - 9:38am

Carlos Ismael Williams, 28, of Alexandria and his girlfrienc, Denise Smith, 37, of District Heights were arrested.

When robbing a bank, it helps to not to leave behind anything to identify you.

After a May 22 bank robbery at Sovereign Bank on Corporate Drive, authorities allege they found the wallet and cell phone of Carlos Ismael Williams, 28, on the bank counter.

"He left it behind by mistake," said Capt. Tim Clarke of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. "It was to our benefit."

While the Alexandria, Va., address the wallet held did not lead to Williams, authorities knew who they were looking for. So when a similar robbery occurred Tuesday at the PNC Bank on Walnut Street in Libertytown , they believed they knew who was responsible.

Williams and his girlfriend, Denise Smith, 37, of District Heights, were arrested Thursday morning and charged in both robberies in a joint investigation by the sheriff's office and Maryland State Police.

During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Barrack Commander Lt. Michael Brady said the arrests were the result of teamwork by the agencies.

During the two robberies, authorities allege Williams and Smith would enter the buildings and fake an argument. Authorities believe it was a distraction so Williams could rob the teller. During each robbery, he pointed a BB gun made to look like a regular gun at the teller's head and demanded money.

Police recovered about $4,000 from the robberies, but they believe some of the stolen money was spent.

Searches after the robberies did not lead to the couple. After the Sovereign Bank robbery, police did find a vehicle believed to have been used in the getaway in Capital Heights. The license plates had been reported stolen out of Virginia.

Authorities were recently led to Smith after she used food stamps at a business near the Sovereign Bank, Clarke said. Smith was arrested after officers did surveillance on her home. She then led authorities to Williams' location.

A search and seizure warrant served at the District Heights apartment led police to the money and the BB gun believed to have been used in the robberies, police said.

Detectives have not established why the two robbed the banks, Clarke said.

Williams and Smith were each charged with two counts each of armed robbery, robbery and theft over $500. Williams was also charged with two counts each of first- and second-degree assault, and four handgun violations.

Williams is being held without bail at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center, while Smith remains there in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Both have court appearances on July 29.

by Gina Gallucci-White @ The Frederick News-Post