5 Columbia men sentenced to federal prison following armed bank robbery

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)— The U.S. Department of Justice says five Columbia men have been sentenced collectively to more than 42 years in federal prison after the armed robbery of a bank ATM on Fairfield Road.

On May 31, 2020 around 4 p.m., six subjects (Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Boyles, Aquan Hopkins, Denzel Goodwin, and two minors) participated in the robbery while it was being serviced by a technician and protected by an armed security guard, according to evidence.

Surveillance video showed two vehicles belonging to Aquan Hopkins pull in while the ATM was closed.

While the private security guard walked towards one of the vehicles, Aquan Hopkins placed the muzzle of a long gun to her head. She was placed face-down on the ground at gunpoint.

Officials say Anthony Hopkins and Kenneth Boyles stole $108,940 from the ATM.

Denzel Goodwin and the second minor remained in the vehicles throughout the robbery.

The defendants fled to an apartment complex where a family member lived to split the proceeds.

Law enforcement recovered more than $32,000 in robbery proceeds, four firearms, ammunition, and a drum magazine that was used in the criminal activity.

At the time of the robbery, Aquan Hopkins served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force as a security forces Airman.

Anthony Hopkins and Kenneth Boyes also had prior felony convictions at the time of the robbery.