Man who was given ‘compassionate release’ after 26 years behind bars is sent back to prison for the same crime
A felon who was released early from federal prison on “compassionate release” has been sent back for committing the same crime.
Markham David Bond, 61, was convicted Thursday by a federal jury in Los Angeles on multiple charges, including interference with commerce by robbery, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Bond’s latest crime occurred on August 18, 2023, when he robbed a Brinks courier at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Chase bank near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Armed with a handgun, Bond approached the armored truck driver, pointed the weapon at him, and demanded cash.
Fearing for his life, the Brinks employee dropped a duffle bag filled with money and complied with Bond’s orders.
Bond grabbed the bag, which contained $145,000 in cash, and fled the scene, as reported by the New York Post.
Bond’s arrest came on November 22, 2023, after investigators uncovered extensive evidence tying him to the robbery.
A search of his residence and the getaway vehicle yielded cash from the robbery concealed in a mini-refrigerator, a .40-caliber pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, and the shirt Bond wore during the crime.
The empty Brinks bag was also discovered in the vehicle.
According to prosecutors, Bond had been released from federal custody in 2022 on “compassionate” grounds, despite a lengthy criminal history and a prior conviction for bank robbery and firearms offenses.
“After being given a second chance in life, this defendant sadly chose a path of violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.
Bond was originally sentenced to 46 years and 10 months in federal prison in January 1995 after being convicted of bank robbery and other charges. He was granted compassionate release after serving 26 years of his sentence.
At the time of the 2023 robbery, Bond was on supervised release, a condition of his early prison departure.
The DOJ noted Bond’s extensive criminal history, which dates back to the 1980s and 1990s. His past convictions include armed robbery, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to distribute heroin.
“Through our strong partnerships with federal and local law enforcement, we will continue to use our resources to protect our community by holding accountable violent offenders who use guns,” Estrada added.
The concept of “compassionate release” allows prisoners to seek early release for “extraordinary and compelling reasons,” such as advanced age, severe health issues, or family emergencies.
However, it remains unclear what specific circumstances led to Bond’s release in 2022.
Bond’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2025, and he faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in federal prison for his latest crimes.
