A federal jury in Memphis has convicted three men for taking part in a dangerous bank robbery conspiracy that shocked the city. The gang carried out five robberies, tried a sixth, and even shot two people while trying to escape. According to the investigation, Courtney Trenell (34), Devin Hinds (36), and Joshua Cribbs (33) were part of a group that robbed banks in and around Memphis from April to December 2023. Four other members had already pleaded guilty before the trial.
How the Gang Operated
The group carefully planned their crimes. Evidence showed that they talked over conference calls before and after robberies, coordinated getaway cars, and used guns to scare staff and customers.
- In one robbery at Truist Bank on August 11, 2023, Hinds pointed a gun at a customer to stop her from calling police.
- In another case, a robber aimed a military-style rifle at bank workers while Hinds waited outside as the driver.
- On October 20, 2023, Trenell and Cribbs took part in a bold plan to rob two banks located right across the street from each other — the Bank of Bartlett and First Horizon Bank — at the same time to confuse police.
Cribbs entered the Bank of Bartlett with a bag and threatened workers to hand over money. He accidentally took a dye pack, which later exploded and stained the stolen cash bright red.
Investigators said DNA belonging to Hinds and Trenell was found inside their getaway cars. Over the entire robbery spree, the group stole more than $170,000. The gang also tried to rob a sixth bank, but this attempt ended in a shootout with an armed guard, and two people were shot.
Robbers sentenced to Life in Prison
Cribbs was sentenced on October 22, while Trenell and Hinds was sentenced on October 23. Hinds faces a maximum sentence of life in prison because he used a firearm during a bank robbery. Trenell and Cribbs each face up to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Memphis Police Department Safe Streets Task Force. Officials said this successful conviction is part of wider efforts to reduce violent crime in Memphis and protect the public.
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