Ex-Officer Indicted in Bank Robbery Try

For more than a decade, police officer Eddie Smith patrolled the streets of Prince George County. But his career in law enforcement changed on June 10 at SunTrust Bank in Temple Hills.

According to court documents, Officer Smith drove another man, Earl Blake, to the SunTrust Bank in his police cruiser. Investigators say Officer Smith stayed outside in the police car while Blake used a power saw to cut telephone lines inside the bank.

"A fire alarm was set off during this, the fire department responded," says Major Andrew Ellis of the Prince George's County Police.

But when firefighters got to the bank, Smith told them to leave because he had already checked the bank and it was secure.

According to investigators Blake ran from the bank and was briefly chased by Officer Smith. Moments later, Officer Smith returned to his car and left.

"Our officers got on the scene did some quick investigations found some evidence on the scene, led us to him. We arrested Eddie Smith that day," says Major Ellis.

The 41-year-old police officer, a 16-year veteran of the police department, was charged with conspiracy to commit bank larceny and attempted bank larceny.

"We went hard, very quick on it-- he was immediately suspended without pay. He later resigned from the department," Ellis says.

Some members of the police department say they feel Smith betrayed his badge.

"Let's face it, one bad cop does tarnish the badge we all wear, and it is upsetting for our office to see this type of activity," said Ellis.

Earl Blake, 53, was also charged. If convicted, Blake and Smith face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.