Feds Indict 3 Florida Siblings In Georgia Bank Robbery

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) -- Three siblings charged in a crime spree that began and ended with gunshots fired at police in Florida and Colorado were indicted Thursday in Georgia on charges of bank robbery and other federal crimes.

The indictment filed in U.S. District Court stems from the Aug. 2 robbery of the Certus Bank in Valdosta, where prosecutors say the trio waved guns and stole $5,168.

Lee Grace Dougherty, 29, and younger brothers Ryan Dougherty and Dylan Dougherty Stanley were each charged with bank robbery and with using firearms during the commission of a violent crime. The two charges carry a combined maximum penalty of 35 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

Ryan Dougherty was also charged with illegal gun possession because he's a convicted felon. That charge carries up to 10 years in prison.

The siblings have been jailed in Huerfano County, Colo., since Aug. 10, when they were arrested and Lee Grace Dougherty was shot in the leg after a high-speed chase and shootout with police. They face state charges in Colorado including five counts each of attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Authorities say the crime spree started in Florida, where the siblings are accused of shooting at the patrol car of an officer who tried to pull them over for speeding in Zephyrhills near Tampa.

Sue McKinney, spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney in Macon, said Thursday prosecutors have not yet decided how they'll proceed with charges between the three states.

"It's still all in the works," McKinney said. "We respect their jurisdiction and they respect ours."

The brothers have a court hearing Jan. 30 in Colorado, while Lee Grace Dougherty's trial in that state is scheduled to start Feb. 21. Attorneys have discussed a possible plea deal for the two brothers.

Lee Grace Dougherty's attorney, Patrick McCarville, declined to comment on the new charges. He cited a gag order imposed by a Colorado judge. Attorneys for her brothers did not immediately return calls seeking comment from The Associated Press.

A Colorado police detective has testified that Ryan Dougherty told him the crime spree was hatched the day after he was sentenced to register as a sex offender. Authorities say the trio planned to flee to Mexico with the money they stole in Georgia.

By Russ Bynum, AP Writer (© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)