Ledbetter to serve 9 years for bank robbery

A Maryland man was sentenced Friday to nine years in federal prison for robbing a Dumfries-area bank in October.

Dennis Earl Ledbetter II, 26, of Prince George’s County, Md., was convicted in U.S. District Court in Alexandria of armed bank robbery, conspiring to commit armed bank robbery, and using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, Ledbetter and John Wayne Morton robbed the Commerce Bank at 16714 Jefferson Davis Highway near Dumfries on Oct. 23.

Before entering the bank, Morton put on a mask and Ledbetter tied a shirt around his face, the documents state.

Prosecutors said Ledbetter served as a lookout while Morton entered the bank, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the bank tellers.

After the robbery, Ledbetter drove Morton and the stolen money away from the bank.

Ledbetter also provided the gun that was used in the robbery, according to court documents.

The men left the bank with about $8,775, the documents state.

Morton pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery and using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced in May to serve seven years and seven months in federal prison.

Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-878-8014.