Suspects in Cape bank robbery enter guilty pleas

Three people pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Monday to the Jan. 12 robbery of the Bank of America in Cape Girardeau.

Derek E. Riggs, 25, of Bloomington, Ill., pleaded guilty before Judge Catherine E. Perry to one felony count of bank robbery and one felony count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the bank robbery and for the weapons charge a prison term of not less than seven years and a $250,000 fine.

Toria W. Lawrence, 20, of Sikeston, Mo., and Dareme P. Tipler, 25, of Bloomington, Ill., each pleaded guilty to one felony count of bank robbery. Both face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. All three will be sentenced Aug. 9.

Lawrence, Riggs, Tipler and another man, Corey D. Lyons of Charleston, Mo., met early in the morning of Jan. 12 in Sikeston and discussed robbing the Bank of America on Kingshighway.

Traveling to the bank, Lawrence parked their car, a rented 2004 Buick Century, and waited while the three men, armed with pistols, went inside. At 10:43 a.m. the men entered the bank, displayed at least two handguns, and ordered those inside on the ground. Tipler opened the cash drawers and Lyons allegedly collected $10,300 in cash while Riggs acted as a lookout. They returned to Sikeston and divided the money.

A bank surveillance camera caught an image of Lawrence, who was questioned that evening and eventually admitted her involvement and identified the three men. Riggs, Lyons and Tipler were apprehended Jan. 24 in Bellevue, Wash.

Lyons, 30, is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 9 to either plead guilty or stand trial for his alleged involvement.