This isn’t the first time someone’s been caught, at least in part, because of their status messages and photos on a popular social networking site. But the story does serve as another cautionary reminder not to gloat about your latest criminal activities on Facebook.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Facebook statuses helped police nab the four people involved in the robbery of International Bank of Commerce on Eldridge Parkway last month. The plot was concocted by two tellers, a boyfriend, and another family member.
Just before the robbery, one teller updated her status to read “Get $$$”. Just after the robbery, the same teller posted “I’m RICH B****!” This teller and her boyfriend went on to tell their Facebook friends and anyone else with Internet access that they could now “WIPE MY TEETH WITH HUNDREDS” and also wipe the other end with fifties.
Obviously this group wasn’t the savviest bank robbers ever, more excited about bragging on their conquest than staying off the radar. But the robbery itself was staged to look legitimate, only the two tellers involved were working on the day they were robbed by their codefendants. They placed tracking devices in the bags with money and footage showed the duo being led to the vault at gun point.
One of the defendant’s lawyers states the Facebook messages aren’t evidence of a robbery, merely young people being funny. But it’s not clear if a judge will buy this explanation. One of the suspects, whose Facebook profile is still active, lists as his employer as “Make money both ways Dirty and Clean!!”
Only one of the suspects in this case is over the age of 20 and maturity likely played a role in their seeming need to boast about their newfound wealth. However, their once innocent Facebook messages may prove to hurt their case for innocence now that they are facing serious charges and lengthy sentences.
Can you be acquitted (found not guilty) after essentially confessing to a crime? Yes but it’s not probable. The confession or status messages, in this case, will only be part of the evidence used against the defendants and only a fraction of what makes up the case.
When facing criminal charges, there are far too many legal nuances and situations that could drastically change the most calculated outcome of your case. Consulting with a defense attorney is one way of getting a good idea of your options and how your case might be resolved. If you are facing charges, contact our attorneys today for a free consultation.
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