Anthony Drayton, 38, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, will spend the next twelve years behind bars after a York County jury found him guilty yesterday of entering a bank with the intent to steal. The sentence, handed down by Judge Bill McKinnon, includes ineligibility for parole.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2023, at a First Citizens Bank in Fort Mill. According to evidence presented during the trial, Drayton entered the bank wearing a wig and a fake beard. He approached a teller, handed her a note, and then quickly snatched it back. He instructed her to remain quiet and demanded money. The teller complied, handing over approximately $1,200 before Drayton fled the scene.
The Fort Mill Police Department (FMPD) responded swiftly and launched a comprehensive investigation, spearheaded by Detective Devin Aycock. Despite initial efforts, the trail eventually went cold. In a move to generate new leads, FMPD issued a press release seeking assistance from the public.
The public appeal proved effective, yielding a crucial tip that identified Anthony Drayton as a potential suspect residing in Simpsonville. Following his arrest, a search of Drayton’s cell phone revealed incriminating evidence. On the day of the bank incident, Drayton had searched the Party City website for wigs and beards. Additionally, his search history included Google searches for “Fort Mill Banks.”
Despite the disguise and demand for money, Drayton was ultimately charged with entering a bank with the intent to steal. This charge reflects the fact that there was no evidence indicating Drayton possessed a weapon or explicitly claimed to be armed during the commission of the crime.
Following the jury’s guilty verdict, Drayton finally admitted to being the individual who entered the bank. However, he surprisingly stated that he felt “entitled” to the money. The court also learned that at the time of the Fort Mill offense, Drayton was on parole for a prior conviction of robbery with a dangerous weapon. In that 2019 case, he robbed a Charlotte gas station clerk using a shotgun.
Senior Solicitor Matthew Hogge and Assistant Solicitor Heather Burdette successfully prosecuted the case against Drayton. Judge Bill McKinnon, considering Drayton’s prior criminal history and the circumstances of the current offense, imposed a twelve-year prison sentence. This sentencing underscores the serious consequences of such actions and serves as a reminder of law enforcement’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their crimes.
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