STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- A Georgia woman faces up to life in prison after allegedly robbing a Sterling Heights bank in disguise, and then fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
At the time of the crime, she was disguised in a wig, sunglasses and a medical mask, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
Sincere Desire Powell, 47, of Athens, Georgia, was arraigned Wednesday in 41A District Court on charges of bank robbery and receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle.
According to authorities, Powell entered a Comerica Bank in Sterling Heights on Monday, June 15, wearing a wig, sunglasses, gloves, and a medical mask.
Investigators allege she handed a bank teller a note demanding large-denomination bills be placed into her bag, threatening to shoot if the teller did not comply.
After leaving the bank, Powell allegedly fled the scene in a white Jeep that had been reported stolen from Troy two days prior.
Law enforcement tracking the vehicle later found it parked in a lot in Warren.
Officers then tracked Powell to nearby hotel, where she was taken into custody.
Inside the stolen Jeep, investigators found items believed to have been worn during the robbery, while a search of the hotel room uncovered cash and additional evidence linking her to the crime, prosecutors said.
"Bank robbery is an extremely dangerous crime because the act itself creates a substantial risk of physical and psychological harm to many people. My office is committed to enforcing the law, protecting public safety, and ensuring that those accused of violent crimes are held accountable,” stated Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a statement.
Powell’s bond was set at $500,000 cash or surety. If she is able to post bond, she will be required to wear a GPS tether. A probable cause conference in the case set set for June 25.
