Callus Lefont Latimore, 42, of Augusta, has been sentenced for various charges stemming from the Feb. 9, armed robbery of First Reliance Bank in West Columbia

Latimore was sentenced in federal court, according to a Thursday release from the office of U.S. Attorney Beth Drake

On April 19, Latimore entered a guilty plea before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Cameron M. Currie. He pled guilty to armed bank robbery and use/possession/brandishing of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence. Currie sentenced Latimore nine years and nine months months of prison with five years of supervised release to follow.

Evidence presented in court established that on the Feb. 9, armed with a Hi-Point 9 mm caliber handgun and wearing a construction vest, fishing hat, and fake beard, Latimore entered First Reliance Bank. After a bank employee asked Latimore if he needed assistance, Latimore brandished the pistol jumped on the counter and demanded money. Latimore then reached over the counter, took $10,300.00 in currency, and fled the scene.

Unknown to Latimore, in the bundle of currency he stole had a hidden GPS tracker in it.  After responding to the scene, deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department were informed of the tracker, and within an hour, deputies located Latimore off exit 119 on Interstate 26. After arresting Latimore, deputies recovered the 9 mm handgun, GPS tracker, and all $10,300.00 of the stolen currency.

The case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney William C. Lewis of the Columbia office handled the case.