Knifepoint Drive To ATM Earns Maximum Prison Sentence

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A Brooklyn man who forced his former girlfriend to take him to an ATM so he could withdraw money from her bank account received the maximum prison sentence Tuesday morning. Prosecutors said that Thurman Leroy Boston, 50, of Brooklyn, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Mark W. Crooks to 18 years in prison for second-degree assault, dangerous weapon with intent to injure, and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

"Domestic violence cases are not the result of an isolated outburst, but rather an ongoing cycle of abuse and manipulation," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams in a statement. "I'm thankful Judge (Mark) Crooks recognized this continual threat and sentenced Mr. Boston to the maximum penalty."

On Feb. 14, Anne Arundel County Police were called to a Dollar Tree on Ritchie Highway for a report of domestic violence. The victim told officers that she was in her home when her ex-boyfriend, Thurman Boston, knocked on the door and asked to be let in to retrieve his belongings.

The victim, who had a protective order against Boston, allowed him inside to gather his things. Boston then asked if he could remain in her home for an hour. When the woman refused, Boston became enraged and yelled that he wanted all of his money back. The victim had allowed Boston to deposit his tax returns into her bank account.

Before she could comply with his demand, Boston grabbed a kitchen knife, held it to her throat, and forced her into the passenger seat of her car. He then drove to an ATM and continued to threaten the victim with the knife until she gave him the PIN number to her account.

As Boston got out of the vehicle and walked up to the ATM, the victim ran to a Dollar Tree and called 911. Before police arrived, Boston fled the scene in the victim's vehicle.

While he was awaiting trial, prosecutors say Boston attempted to obstruct justice by writing letters in which he encouraged the victim to fail to appear in court and avoid testifying against him.

Boston pleaded guilty to the charges on July 25. They carry a combined maximum penalty of 18 years.

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