Natchez Police arrest five in bank robbery

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 20, 2010

NATCHEZ — Last week’s robbery of Britton and Koontz Bank on U.S. 61 North appears to have been a family affair.

Natchez Police, with assistance from Metro Narcotics, arrested five people in connection to the robbery Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., police arrested Lyndon B. Ivory, 30, 1B Sixth St., on two outstanding warrants for misdemeanor false pretense, one count of felony possession of a firearm and one count of accessory after the fact to robbery, Police Chief Mike Mullins said.

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Mullins said Ivory gave police consent to search his apartment, and police recovered $1,200 in cash, a 9mm Glock pistol and a .380 caliber automatic pistol.

Natchez Police Capt. Craig Godbold said the Glock pistol was reported stolen to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office weeks ago, and Ivory allegedly purchased the .380 caliber pistol with money stolen from B&K Bank.

Ivory also allegedly purchased a 2002 black Ford F150 pickup truck with stolen bank money. The truck has since been seized. Ivory is being held without bond.

“(Ivory) bought the truck on May 17,”Godbold said. “He paid $3,500 all in 20s. That was half the payment. He was going to finance the rest.”

Concordia Parish Schools Superintendent Loretta Blankenstein confirmed Wednesday evening that Ivory worked as an interventionist at Ridgecrest School. Ivory, an hourly employee, worked with students who needed additional assistance with lessons.

Ivory’s mother, Jellena Ivory, 58, 165 Cloverdale Road, is charged with one count of accessory after the fact to robbery.

Jellena Ivory gave police consent to search her house, and police recovered $1,500 in cash and an $800 gift card, which investigators believe was purchased with stolen bank money.

Jellena Ivory is being held without bond.

Jellena Ivory’s sister, Mamie R. White, 55, 1C Sixth St., is charged with one count of accessory after the fact to robbery. Mullins said White is the owner of the 1998 Ford Taurus that served as the getaway car in the robbery. White is being held without bond.

Elbert J. Dukes, 51, No. 43 Old Wilson Lane, is charged with one count of robbery, and allegedly drove the getaway car, Godbold said. Dukes is being held without bond.

Lastly, William E. Baker Jr., 30, 1D Sixth St., is charged with one count carrying a concealed weapon. Godbold said Baker is dating White’s daughter, and may not have a connection to the robbery. However, he was carrying a loaded 9mm handgun at the time of his arrest. Baker is being held on $704 bond.

“All our officers have worked night and day to get these people arrested,” Mullins said. “We hope this sends a message to anyone who receives stolen money or merchandise that they will be prosecuted.”

In total, police have made six arrests in connection to the May 10 robbery. Friday, police arrested Travis Parker, 51, 1C Sixth St. Parker is charged with one count of robbery and is being held without bond. Godbold said Parker and White are in a relationship, and live together.

Godbold said additional arrests are possible. Investigators have not yet disclosed the exact amount of money stolen from the bank.