Virginia Man Known as “The Flip Flop Bandit” Indicted for Bank Robbery in Savannah

Savannah, GA: Leonard Riddle 46, of Bumpass, Virginia, was indicted this month by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah on charges related to the July 29, 2016 robbery of the First Chatham Bank in Pooler, Georgia.  Known as “The “Flip Flop Bandit,” Riddle was wanted by the FBI at the time of his arrest for a series of bank robberies and attempted bank robberies in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Florida.  Riddle is alleged to have carried out the various robberies with either a BB gun or a fake explosive device.  Riddle’s alleged robbery spree ended on July 29, however, when was apprehended by the Pooler Police Department following a high-speed vehicle chase.
Riddle is charged with one count of bank robbery in the Southern District of Georgia, and also has federal bank robbery indictments pending in the Western District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Riddle attended an arraignment on September 28, 2016, where he entered a not guilty plea and was detained without bond.  If convicted of the sole count in the indictment, Riddle faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  U.S. Attorney Ed Tarver emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation of this case was led by the FBI with assistance from the Pooler Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer G. Solari is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.  For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.