Macon man sentenced to prison for bank robberies, attempted robbery in 2022

58-year-old Felix Cordes was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $38,274 on April 2.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man has been sentenced to prison for brandishing a firearm during two bank robberies and an attempted bank robbery in 2022, according to the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia.

58-year-old Felix Cordes was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $38,274 on April 2. Cordes previously pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery on January 2.

“Felix Cordes was a ruthless and relentless criminal who possibly could have killed innocent bank employees had he not been stopped by the diligent work of investigators,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “We are grateful that justice is served, and he will be held accountable for spreading mayhem in our community.”

On April 2, 2022, Cordes robbed MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union in Macon. Cordes disguised himself in overalls, a bandana and sunglasses during the robbery. Cordes approached the bank tellers on staff, brandished a handgun, and ordered the tellers to “take the money out.”

Cordes went behind the counter, pulled cash out of two drawers, placed the money in a bag and left the scene. According to the news release, some tellers experienced panic attacks from intimidation caused by Cordes. The news release also states that Cordes used some of the stolen money to purchase two cell phones at a Boost Mobile store.

On May 2, 2022, Cordes and an accomplice robbed the Central Georgia Regional Credit Union in Macon. The news release states that Cordes wore blue latex gloves and brandished a firearm, then he stole cash from the bank.

On May 24, 2022, Cordes attempted to commit a third robbery at another MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union location in Macon. The robbery was unsuccessful because bank staff saw Cordes and an accomplice who were both wearing masks as they approached the bank with a silver handgun drawn. The staff was able to lock down the bank and stop the robbery attempt. No money was stolen during the incident.

On April 6, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence used by Cordes. Law enforcement found a bandana matching the one seen on video during the first MidSouth Bank robbery video, blue latex gloves like those worn by Cordes during the second robbery, boxes corresponding to the cellphones purchased from Boost Mobile with the stolen money and a box of 9-millimeter ammunition. Cordes stole a total of $38,274 from the two credit unions.

“Criminal offenders who instill fear in our community by conducting bank robberies will face consequences for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office is committed to working with law enforcement to bring the most dangerous criminals to justice.”