Four Facing Federal Charges for Brink’s Truck Robbery in Madison

Press Release

BENTON, Ill. - A federal grand jury returned an indictment Wednesday charging four individuals for their involvement in an armed robbery of a Brink's truck in Madison.

Lee O. Griffin, Jr., 23, of Cahokia Heights, is facing one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of arson and one count of possession of a weapon in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Antonio T. Harris, 23, and Patrick D. Johnson, 26, both of St. Louis, are each facing one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.

Taneisha M. Davis, 29, of East St. Louis, was charged with one count of arson for her involvement in setting the getaway car on fire.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who victimize employees with brazen attacks who are simply trying to do their jobs," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. "I applaud this multijurisdictional investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement officers to help improve public safety throughout the Metro East region."

According to court documents, Harris and Johnson are accused of robbing two Brink's employees as they serviced an ATM in Madison on Dec. 5, 2024. The indictment alleges the pair were armed with pistols and took cash from the truck and the employees' gun belts holding two pistols, magazines and ammunition.

"The effective identification and arrest of the alleged subjects is an example of why law enforcement partnerships are vital to our communities," said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. "The FBI works with and supports our law enforcement partners at every level of government on a daily basis. These strong alliances are how we leverage our respective strengths and capabilities, and the key to better protecting the American people."

Griffin is accused of driving the getaway car, a Chevrolet Impala, for Harris and Johnson. The car was located hours after the robbery abandoned and ablaze in Washington Park. Griffin and Davis are accused of conspiring to set the Impala on fire.

"People should not fear for their lives when they go to work each day," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "ISP will continue to partner with local and federal agencies to make communities safer and get criminals off the streets."

Convictions for robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and arson are punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment. Brandishing a weapon is a consecutive range of seven years up to life in prison.

"The Citizens of Madison County should be proud of how Law Enforcement agencies teamed together to solve these serious crimes in a timely manner. The individuals charged, worked together in an effort to not only commit a high stakes crime, but also to take extreme measures to coverup and hide their tracks," said Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor. "I am proud of the men and women who spent untold hours to track down these criminals and send a message to others, these type of actions will not be tolerated in Madison County."

An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The Springfield FBI Field Office is leading the investigation with support from the Illinois State Police, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi is prosecuting the case.

Updated January 8, 2025