Macon Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robberies, Faces 25 Years in Prison

Felix Cordes, 57, of Macon, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to charges of bank robbery for a crime spree that took place in 2022, during which he brandished a firearm during two successful bank robberies and one attempted robbery. The total amount stolen during the robberies was $38,274. Cordes now faces up to 25 years in federal prison.

“Bank tellers were terrified when Felix Cordes walked into their workplace and threatened them with a firearm, a scene he replayed again and then attempted a third time, his final act thwarted by brave credit union employees who saw him coming with a gun and quickly locked down the bank,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Individuals whose criminal actions terrorize our community will be held accountable for their crimes.”

“Cordes terrified employees and customers of three businesses throughout his crime spree,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “We are extremely grateful that no one was physically hurt or killed during these violent robberies, and thankful that Cordes is off our streets and facing justice in our federal court system.”

“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 can be grateful that justice has been served and he will be held accountable for spreading mayhem in our community.”

Court documents reveal that Cordes first robbed MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union in Macon on April 2, 2022. He attempted to disguise himself by wearing overalls, a bandana, and sunglasses. He brandished a handgun, demanding money from tellers, and took cash from two drawers before leaving the scene. Several tellers suffered panic attacks due to the intimidation. Cordes later used some of the stolen money to purchase two cell phones.

On May 2, 2022, Cordes, with the help of an accomplice, robbed the Central Georgia Regional Credit Union in Macon. He was again wearing blue latex gloves and brandishing a firearm. Cordes then attempted a third robbery on May 24, 2022, at another MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union location. This attempt failed when bank staff saw him and his accomplice approach with a silver handgun drawn. The staff successfully locked down the bank, preventing the robbery.

During a search warrant executed on April 6, 2022, at a residence used by Cordes, law enforcement found evidence linking him to the robberies, including a bandana matching one seen in video footage from the first robbery, blue latex gloves, boxes for the stolen cell phones, and 9-millimeter ammunition.

Cordes was convicted of stealing $38,274 from the two credit unions. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.