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Alleged NBT Bank robbery wheelman waives felony hearing

Case now headed to grand jury

By By MEGAN KOSKOVICH

Story Created: Aug 4, 2010 at 12:47 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 4, 2010 at 12:53 PM EDT

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - The case of one of the men allegedly involved in a bank robbery that turned into a man hunt is now going to a grand jury.

Ikiko Brown, 24, of Utica waived his right to a felony hearing in Rome City Court Wednesday morning. His appearance was brief as he stood alongside his defense attorney, Leland McCormac.

Brown is facing a first-degree robbery charge in connection with the robbery of the NBT Bank on Black River Boulevard on July 29th. His cousin, Brian Brown, is facing a robbery and attempted murder charge for allegedly shooting at a sheriff's deputy during the melee.

Authorities claim Ikiko drove the getaway car shortly after the robbery. They have said that more charges may be pending against him, such as being a possible accomplice in the shooting of the sheriff deputy. McCormac said he doesn't see any link between his client and Brian Brown as far as the attempted murder charge goes.

"I think there is a sufficient break in the sequence of events that occurred to where that although charges have been filed on robbery, I can't see him being implicated in the attempted murder charge."

McCormac didn't know much about the relationship between Ikiko and Brian and wouldn't comment on who may have been the so-called brains behind the alleged robbery.

Ikiko is still being held on $250,000 bail, which McCormac thinks is excessive. He said his client poses no flight risk and wants to get the bail reduced.

Brian Brown is set to appear in court Thursday for a felony hearing.

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