Judge lowers bail for man charged with bank robbery

A judge reduced bail Wednesday for a man who is charged with robbing the Community Savings Bank in June.

Lemarkis D. Hobson, 31, of Cedar Rapids, is charged with second-degree robbery, second-degree theft and possession of contraband in a correctional facility and possession of a controlled substance – crack cocaine.

Sixth Judicial District Senior Judge Thomas Koehler reduced Hobson's bail previously set at $15,000 cash to $10,000 cash or surety, which allows him to post 10 percent with the clerk of court.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks argued against it because Hobson is charged with committing a violent crime and he was out on bail for a separate charge of conspiracy to commit a forcible felony at the time of the bank robbery. Maybanks said Hobson also has previous convictions and has been a fugitive from justice several times.

Hobson's lawyer Tyler Johnston argued the crime wasn't violent because although Hobson handed a note to the teller threatening to kill her, he didn't have a gun. Johnston went on to say Hobson had a drug addiction and hoped to get into the Linn County Drug Court.

Drug court is a prison diversion program for those convicted and receive probation. The court usually only accepts defendants convicted of non-violent crimes that stem from their addiction.

Maybanks said he wouldn't recommend drug court for Hobson based on this crime and his previous convictions including domestic violence.

Koehler asked Johnston what he thought was a fair bail and Johnston suggested the $10,000 with 10 percent posted with clerk.

According to a criminal complaint, Hobson entered the bank at 3414 Mount Vernon Road SE on June 12, and handed the teller a note stating, 'Give me money or I'll shoot you.' No weapon was displayed.

Hobson left after receiving over $3,000 in cash but police arrested him minutes later. Police found the stolen cash in his car, which was in plain view, but no gun was found.

After Hobson was booked into the Linn County Jail, sheriff's deputies discovered two small plastic bags of crack cocaine in his medical boot.

If convicted of all charges, Hobson faces up to 20 years in prison.