Armed Bank Robber Who Caused Car Crash While Fleeing From Police In STL Gets 12-Year Sentence

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri:

November 4, 2020

ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Darvell Wharton to 144 months (12 years) in prison for his role in an armed bank robbery. The 39 year old is a resident of St. Louis, Missouri.

On December 28, 2018, Wharton robbed the U.S. Bank located in the 3800 block of Gravois and brandished a firearm in a crime of violence.

Wharton pointed a loaded .45 caliber pistol at multiple bank employees and demanded money. Wharton succeeded in taking more than $2,000 in cash during the robbery.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to an all-points bulletin and pursued Wharton as he drove at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour, disregarded traffic signals and caused a three-car crash. Officers arrested Wharton, recovered a loaded Colt 1911 .45 caliber pistol, a loaded .380 caliber pistol, cash taken in the bank robbery and clothing worn during the bank robbery.

Wharton caused damage to a bystander’s vehicle during the pursuit.

“Wharton deserves every day of this sentence. He terrorized bank employees by pointing a large firearm at them,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen. “He recklessly endangered innocent members of the community and law enforcement officers when he fled.”

U.S. Attorney Jensen commended the quick and effective response by SLMPD officers resulting in the arrest of Wharton and the recovery of evidence. U.S. Attorney Jensen further commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their support of the investigation and prosecution.

This press release was produced by the US Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri. The views expressed here are the author’s own.