Martha's Vineyard, usually known for its serene vacations and celebrity sightings, experienced a jarring disruption back in November 2022 when a local man orchestrated a violent armed bank robbery. Yesterday, Miquel Antonio Jones, a 33-year-old Edgartown resident, received a significant sentence of 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in the heist at the Rockland Trust bank branch in Vineyard Haven.
Details of the harrowing incident were recounted by the U.S. Attorney's Office, where it was noted that Jones provided the items for the robbery, which included disguises, firearms, and the ill-gotten gains were discovered hidden under a bureau in Jones's home. The crime had defendants donning rubber masks and brandishing guns to subdue bank employees, bind them with zip ties, and secure approximately $39,100 from the bank's vault. The heinous act sent shockwaves through the usually peaceful island community and, inflicted emotional scars on the victims involved.
Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division, Jodi Cohen, stated to the U.S. Attorney's Office: "This was a bold and brazen armed robbery carried out on a picturesque island at the start of the day." She commended the sentence, emphasizing that bank robbery is not just a crime but an event that endangers lives and disrupts the fabric of communities. According to the same source, all co-conspirators in the robbery are scheduled for sentencing in January 2025.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, engaging various law enforcement agencies which included Massachusetts State Police, several local Police Departments across Martha’s Vineyard, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation among others. The collective endeavour, ensured that the perpetrators were swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division is handling the prosecution of the case, which has undoubtedly, left an indelible mark on the psyche of Martha’s Vineyard residents.
