Couple admits robbing Hannibal bank

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- An Illinois man and his girlfriend admit in federal court to robbing a Hannibal bank.

U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway credits what she calls the "brave actions of a customer" in leading to the apprehension of 25-year-old Clarence Waters of Rockville, Illinois, and 21-year-old Shiaji-Shima Skuko Small of Monroe City, Missouri.

The robbery occurred March 23rd at the Bank of Hannibal. Waters walked into a real estate office with a sawed-off shotgun, struck a customer in the head, then took a hostage and went to the bank next door.

He got $7,400 and the couple drove away. The injured real estate customer flagged down a police officer, who made the arrest.

Sentencing for Waters is October fifth; sentencing for Small is November second.