As Dana Lawson was sworn in Friday in federal court, her shoulders trembled. It was the first court appearance for her and her alleged partner in crime, James Valentinisdee, for allegedly robbing Prosperity BankTexas in Crockett May 3. The pair pleaded not guilty during their arraignments and chose to waive their right to a detention hearing.
Valentinisdee appeared calm as he answered U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin’s procedural questions about personal finances, work history and education. He spoke in a steady voice behind the podium, wearing small-framed tinted glasses. Dressed in a bright orange jail jumper, his sleeve tattoos on either arm started where the material of his short-sleeve top left off.
Lawson appeared nervous as she answered the same set of questions, clasping her hands as they shook involuntarily. She wore a short-sleeved red t-shirt with pants. According to the federal indictment, Valentinisdee entered Prosperity BankTexas in Crockett on May 3, presented a note that demanded money from the teller, took the cash and fled the bank in a car driven by his alleged accomplice Lawson.
If convicted, Valentinisdee and Lawson could face up to 20 years in prison and and owe the government a $250,000 fine. The two will appear in court again on Aug. 4 for a federal jury trial at the Ward R. Burke Federal Courthouse in Lufkin. Assistant U.S. District Attorney Lisa Flournoy is the prosecuting attorney for the case. Attorney Jerry N. Whiteker is representing Valentisindee, and attorney Kenneth R. Hawk is representing Lawson.
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