In federal court: Bank robbery suspect pleads guilty

The following information was released Tuesday by the federal prosecutor's office for defendants appearing in federal court before U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson on Monday.

PLEADED GUILTY

Name: Keiran D. Pippins

Age: 18

Residence: Cape Girardeau

Charge: Three felony counts of bank robbery

Sentencing: Set for Aug. 16. He faces a maximum punishment of 20 years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count.

SENTENCED

Name: Marquel L. Rhines

Age: 19

Residence: Mounds, Ill.

Charge: One felony count of bank robbery

Sentence: 36 months

Summary: On the morning of Nov. 23, Rhines and Pippins planned to rob the First State Community Bank at 2527 William St. in Cape Girardeau. Pippins' role was to rob the bank, and Rhines was to serve as the getaway driver. Rhines drove Pippins to a residential area near the bank where Pippins got out of the vehicle and left on foot. Rhines then drove Pippins away with the purpose of preventing him from being arrested for the robbery. After a short car chase, both suspects were captured and the bank's money was recovered.