Macon Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years for Armed Bank Robbery Spree
A Macon resident who terrorized bank employees and customers during two bank robberies and an attempted robbery in 2022 has been sentenced to federal prison. Felix Cordes, 58, received a sentence of 97 months (over 8 years) in prison from U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on April 2. Following his prison term, Cordes will also serve five years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $38,274 in restitution.
Cordes pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery on January 2. There is no parole in the federal system.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the consequences for such violent crimes, stating, “Criminal offenders who instill fear in our community by conducting bank robberies will face consequences for their actions. Our office is committed to working with law enforcement to bring the most dangerous criminals to justice.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown highlighted the fear Cordes instilled, saying, “Cordes terrified innocent employees and customers at three businesses throughout his crime spree. We are extremely grateful that no one was physically hurt or killed during these violent robberies and thankful that Cordes is off our streets receiving the sentencing he deserves.”
Bibb County Sheriff David Davis commended the work of investigators, stating, “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. We are grateful that justice is served, and he will be held accountable for spreading mayhem in our community.”
According to court documents, Cordes robbed the MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union in Macon on April 2, 2022, brandishing a handgun and stealing cash. Some tellers suffered panic attacks as a result of his intimidation. He used some of the stolen funds to purchase two cell phones.
On May 2, 2022, with the assistance of an accomplice, Cordes robbed the Central Georgia Regional Credit Union in Macon, again brandishing a firearm and wearing gloves. He attempted a third robbery on May 24, 2022, at another MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union location, but bank staff thwarted the attempt by locking down the bank after seeing Cordes and an accomplice approaching with a drawn silver handgun. No money was stolen in the attempted robbery.
A search warrant executed at Cordes’ residence on April 6, 2022, yielded evidence linking him to the robberies, including a bandana matching one seen in surveillance footage, blue latex gloves, packaging for the cell phones purchased with stolen money, and 9-millimeter ammunition. Cordes stole a total of $38,274 from the two successful bank robberies.
The FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom.
