THE CHAZ WILLIAMS STORY A TALE OF AMERICA'S GREATEST LIVINGA TALE OF AMERICA'S GREATEST LIVING BANK ROBBER, TOLD IN THREE BANK ROBBER IN THREE PARTS

2 America loves its outlaws – so long as doesn’t love black outlaws. It fears them. they’re white. And what it fears, it locks away.

Jesse James – the Robin Hood of the “I’m no marcher,” says Chaz. “You’re not Wild West. He robbed eight banks. And getting me to march down no street just technically, two of them were trains. to take an ass whipping. Now, you want me to run up with some guns, that’s a John Dillinger – the dapper gangster of different story. But I had to resist in my the Great Depression. Robbed 24 banks. own way. My disobedience was not civil.”

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow – folk Chaz Williams: How to Rob Banks is a heroes. Robbed 17. documentary event mini-series about race and racism in America. About Charles “Chaz” Williams robbed 63 the prison system. Oppression. Black country promised him freedom but about what’s happening in America right banks. I’ll say it again: Sixty-three. militancy. Shootouts. Jailbreaks. And denied him equality. now. bank robbery. Carried out by a man That makes him the greatest bank robber whose skill elevated the craft to an art It’s a story of the American dream, stolen It’s a story about a man who was in American history. Hands down. form. at gunpoint. Reparations, by any means sentenced to 95 years in prison, robbed necessary. banks while incarcerated, and then But if you’re white, chances are you’ve It’s about crime as a revolutionary convinced the very man who locked him never heard of the man. Because America act, committed by a young man whose It’s a story set in the 1970s. And it’s up to set him free.

3 How to Rob Banks will fuse narrative and an intimate, long-form setting – free documentary filmmaking techniques to from the constraints of a conventional merge the intimacy of the podcast with (adversarial) documentary film interview. the visceral storytelling of the feature From these wide-ranging and free-form film. interviews, we will weave an audio edit of the narrative. The series will be composed of four Chaz Williams himself. Essentially, we’ll of Chaz’s bank robberies – to evoke the primary elements: audio-only voiceover This edit will serve a two-fold purpose: blend the techniques of the dramatist poetry of the time and place in which the interviews from all cast members; on- providing the voiceover narration that Suzan Lori Parks with the “performance stories are set. camera performances of the signature drives the series and building the basis of self” shows pioneered by Spaulding stories by Chaz and his closest partners for the scripted scenes to be culled from Gray and later adopted by Mike Tyson. These four elements – audio interviews; in crime; carefully culled historic archival and based upon this material. scripted original photography; rehearsed materials; and feature-film style original Additionally, we’ll integrate carefully retellings; and curated archival – will photography. The scripted scenes will be composed curated archival materials – ranging then be braided into a singular, cutting- of two separate elements: kinetic narrative from footage of Deep South chain edge nonfiction narrative. The audio interviews with Chaz will scenes like that featured in the gangs, to photographs of lynchings, to be wholly collaborative in approach, presentation reel and rehearsed self-produced documentaries by black This is documentary film as co- conducted over a series of months in retellings of the signature stories by militants of the 1970s, to news coverage conspiracy.

4 BIRTH OF A BANK ROBBER The reality is one cannot want to be gangster. It’s not an occupation, like wanting to become a doctor, lawyer, or fireman. The mental and emotional hardness required of this life is not a choice that anyone would rationally make. Being a gangster is a natural state. You are born into it.

SOUTH CAROLINA, 1963 – Born in black men in bondage, white overseers Harlem, Chaz Williams is growing up in on horseback, shotguns over the saddle. the “40 Projects” in Jamaica, Queens. This summer he’s on a father-son road His father was a tank gunner in World trip through the Deep South. Visiting War II. Fought his way through France grandma in Florida. for America. Now he and Chaz sleep in otherwise, ever drag him from the car powers that be had rigged the game, so the car in South Carolina. Motels won’t with intent to harm, Chaz should know I had two choices: follow their playbook, Chaz sees the signs: “White Only,” take their money. White state troopers to aim for center mass, double tap each lay down, and lose. Or make my own “Negro Only.” He sees the chain gangs: pull them over for bullshit, call his father target, and keep pulling the trigger until rules. “Nigger” and “Boy.” the gun clicks empty. Back in New York, Chaz started robbing. The old man keeps his Army .45 in the Chaz is 11 years old. The state branded him “unmanageable.” glove box. He takes Chaz out in the Sent him to a youth prison upstate. Chaz southern pines, teaches him to shoot The Deep South had a profound impact on broke out. Hit the road. it; tells Chaz that if white men, cops or my young psyche. The way I saw it, the

5 CLEVELAND, 1968 — Chaz is on the run They serve a little time in Canada. Get with his best friend and partner in crime, deported. Still a juvenile, Chaz revisits Greg Sewell 1 . They land in Cleveland. the upstate youth prison. One day he Fall in with the Black Nationalists of New jumps off a bus, outruns the guards. Libya. The militants are fresh off the Glenville Shootout. Four hours of gunfire Back on the road, he puts together his with Cleveland P.D. Fifteen people shot. first professional crew. Graduates to Three cops in the morgue. robbing banks. Finds his true passion.

Living with the black nationalists, we It’s important to define what type of bank learned about self-defense, community, robber I was. I’m not a note passer, and and resistance. We studied Pan- I’m not a bank burglar. We did broad Africanism and The Art of War by Sun daylight, commando-style robberies, with Tzu. We learned tactics from combat clear objectives and escape options. We veterans. We then traveled from city knew every time we hit a bank it was a to city – taken in, taught, and accepted matter of life, liberty, and death. by the black revolutionary community wherever we went. We understood In 1970, Chaz was arrested for bank ourselves to be a special type of capitalist robbery and conspiracy. Tried, convicted, with revolutionary instincts. sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Chaz and Sewell cross into Quebec. Hit Started doing time at the Federal a currency exchange at the Montreal Correctional Institute in Milan, Michigan. airport. Get busted at a shopping mall, trying to convert the foreign cash to That’s when his career as a bank robber dollars. Their descriptions were all over really took off. the radio. But they were unaware. The police bulletins were in French. 1Confirmed Supporting Cast Member 6 LITTLE EGYPT Every step of incarceration for me was another level of technical training. Federal prison was like finishing school for gangsters.

Chaz was a skilled cellblock hustler. The documents revealed the program Money and information came his way. would launch in about two years. Like stolen documents outlining the criteria for a Bureau of Prisons pilot Chaz ran a long con. He looped in three program for “promising” inmates – young fellow black inmates, including Herb felons with model behavior, who were Bowman 2. He made sure they all hit taking college courses, demonstrating every item on the program checklist. And “rehabilitative potential.” when the time came, sure enough, they were all invited to be a part of a “new, Under this experimental initiative, a few exciting experiment.” such inmates at Milan FCI would receive unsupervised, full-day passes to study Exciting was right. at Washtenaw Community College and the University of Michigan, both in Ann Between classes, they robbed banks. Arbor, just 14 miles away.

2 Confirmed Supporting Cast Member

7 We beat the system with their own himself and his family. The charges were system. Despite our criminal records, dropped. we were automatically eliminated as suspects, because we were classified Chaz did the rest of his original bid. Got by law enforcement as “currently paroled. And went right back to robbing incarcerated.” The best alibi you can banks. have is to be in prison when the crime is committed. My skills had reached an all-time high. And now I had freedom of movement, Chaz and his crew rented apartments along with the privacy to train and drill in and around Ann Arbor, one for my crew so as to increase our proficiency hiding cash, one for stashing weapons, to near perfection. and one (a penthouse) for socializing – entertaining lady friends with Marvin Gaye and Al Green on the hi-fi.

The plan was to open a nightclub in Detroit once they all got out. Little Egypt. Live soul music and fine soul food. A spot for people in the life. Hustlers with money.

Then a prison bus driver dimed them out. Chaz and two others were charged with multiple counts of armed bank robbery. Just before trial, though, said bus driver changed his mind about testifying. Something about threats to

8 MASTERS OF THE CRAFT We never came to harm anyone; at least, that was not my intent. I was on a mission to liberate the funds. We never felt we were taking from the individual. From our perspective, it was a direct strike at the government. We were taking money straight from the system’s pockets.

To better know the personnel he was up American history, Chaz fine-tuned his against, and how to beat them, Chaz got Rules for Robbing Banks. ahold of FBI manuals. He studied police training films. He and his crew worked Always use a stolen car. out to stay in peak condition. They put in long hours at the firing range. They ran It’s called the spaceship. Once you’re timed drills in storage spaces outfitted on the spaceship, there’s no going back. with bank furniture to see how fast they You’re going in the bank, mask down and could leap over a counter and empty six gun up. drawers of cash. Assume the silent alarm is triggered Proficiency equals efficiency. upon arrival. Get in and out in 60 seconds. Do your homework: identify the Over the course of a year-long, interstate head teller and the bank manager, clock bank robbery spree, unequalled in their work stations.

9 Use three-man crews: Floor Man, first in, so he needs to make a dramatic Counter Man, Vault Man. entrance. And if law enforcement shows up, he’s the first out, so he needs to Floor Man carries the stopwatch and establish superiority of fire. police scanner. Counter Man goes straight up and over that counter and hits the cash The crew’s theme song, played in the car drawers. That’s not where the real money stereo on the way to each robbery, was is, but it makes sure you don’t walk out “Happiness is Just Around the Bend,” by that bank with no money. The Main Ingredient.

Stick to the bottom drawers. That’s “There`s something going’ round where the banded money is kept. Upper inside my head. drawers are light on cash, and contain I think it`s something I need, the dye packs. Something unreal. And so I see my world is Vault Man runs down the bank manager, upside down puts a barrel to his neck, marches him to but there is nothing to fear, the money cage. my vision is clear.” If you’ve done your homework, the money’s in armored car bags, ready for Chaz kept his vision clear. He stuck to pick-up. the rules he made for himself and won.

One more thing: firepower. Until he fucked up.

Weapons of choice were sawed-off, He went off script by robbing a 12-gauge shotguns, preferably Mossberg. supermarket for its payroll. Without Plus, an M-16 for the Floor Man. He’s the casing it first.

10 We had a source inside, an employee’s was caught and charged with armed a successful post-conviction fight to run Not that he’s seeking redemption. brother, who told us when the 80 grand robbery, assault, and attempted murder. his sentences concurrently, rather than would be there. He forgot to mention the He drew a 25-year prison sentence. consecutively. This gave him a path to Redemption, in meaning, is about being armed guard. freedom. He served 15 years. Earned two saved, or getting something back. But Sixteen days into his sentence, Chaz college degrees. And was released on a the truth is. I’m not being saved from The guard took a bullet to head. He escaped. Again. This time he made FBI’s parole. my evil ways. I have not changed my survived. But the heist went to hell. Most Wanted. He was captured after way of thinking about segregation, Leaving the store, one of Chaz’s guys shooting it out with FBI agents. Chaz founded his own company: Black discrimination, or straight disrespect. And didn’t get his mask all the way off, and a Hand Entertainment. if presented with those same things, I am passing anti-crime unit spotted him. Sentence: 95 years in maximum- still going to oppose them aggressively. security. He goes back to prison often – as a gang Cue high-speed chase to the projects, mediator and motivational speaker. I apologize for nothing. I have no regrets. followed by a running gun battle. Chaz Serving as his own attorney, Chaz waged

11 F. Ladell Farley FBI Bank Robbery Division agent who ROBBERS investigated the string of Michigan bank robberies in 1973. Ronald Bell FBI informant, recruited by New York Clarence J. Guienze FBI agent Ronald E. Mahaffey after Associate Prison Warden at MCI Milan, participating in a multi-state bank 1972 to 1975. robbery spree led by Chaz in 1976.

Daniel F. Kelleher Herbert Bowman COPS New York FBI bank robbery task force Longtime accomplice of Chaz Williams, agent who investigated a string of mid- first as a fellow MCI Milan inmate, then Ken Baumann 1970s bank robberies planned and led as a steady member of Chaz’s crew Correctional officer at FCI Milan in the who investigated a March 1976 bank by Chaz. throughout the mid-1970s. 1970s, knew Chaz and his accomplices robbery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as they were plotting and carrying out committed by Chaz and his crew. John Saunders Robert McGrary (aka “Sabu”) their “long con” of the college student FBI agent, Eastern District of Michigan Member of Chaz’s crew for the multi- day pass program. Zachary Carter Office, investigated Michigan bank state bank robbery spree in 1976. Former US Attorney who prosecuted robberies. John Belk Chaz for his final string of bank Michael Roberts New York Police Department anti-crime robberies in the Eastern District of New Ronald E. Mahaffey FCI Milan inmate recruited by Chaz unit plainclothes officer who got in a York. Holds great respect for Chaz, feels New York FBI agent who “flipped” Ronald to rob banks while serving time in shootout with Chaz and his crew in June they are opposite sides of the same coin, Bell and Curtis King (see below). Michigan. 1975. and that as a young black man raised in 1960s America, he could have easily James H. Ziberk Gary Graham William Bodziak taken a path on the other side of the law Lieutenant in charge of FCI Milan Getaway driver for several 1976 bank Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) like Chaz. Currently the City Attorney for correctional officers, 1972 to 1975. jobs. Bank Robbery Division criminal analyst New York under Mayor DeBlasio. Testified against Chaz.

12 Curtis King Wendy Day Dr. James Pruden Michigan National Bank University FBI informant, recruited by New York Founder of the non-profit Rap Coalition, Head of the ER at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Branch in August 1973. Refused to FBI agent Ronald E. Mahaffey after advocacy organization founded in Paterson NJ. Worked with Chaz to testify after being threatened. participating in a multi-state bank 1992 to protect urban hip-hop artists declare St. Joseph’s a Neutral Zone for robbery spree led by Chaz in 1976. from being taken advantage of in the warring gangs. Linda Williams entertainment industry. Friend and Chaz’s sister, younger by three years. A Kevin Lakin (legitimate) business partner of Chaz. Jeffrey Van Rockman study in contrasts: raised in the same Fellow inmate at Queens House of Prison bus driver at FCI Milan who housing projects, she joined the military Detention whose identity Chaz assumed Grace Mack informed on Chaz for robbing the in 1976 and served honorably for 34 in his 1975 escape. President of the Black Student years. Loves Chaz but disapproves of his Psychological Association at the criminal past. Greg Sewell University of Michigan, 1972. Chaz’s best friend and juvenile partner Volunteered at MCI Milan. Helped Chaz in crime. He and Chaz hid out with black get accepted into University of Michigan. militant groups across the U.S. in 1968. Knew nothing of his criminal intent.

Stanley Yelardy Marcus McAllister Robbed banks in several states with Program Manager for Cease Fire Illinois, Chaz in the mid-1970s. Currently a Chicago-based anti-gun violence incarcerated. organization that deploys Chaz to intervene with street gangs. OTHER SUBJECTS Dr. Betty McGee Florida Andrews Head psychologist at FCI Milan. Helped Bureau of Prisons mental health create the criteria for the college study therapist at FCI Milan, 1970s. She and release program that Chaz gamed. Chaz became lovers while he was doing time.

13 1973 – While enrolled at the University 1991 – Chaz released on parole after of Michigan, and leaving FCI Milan on serving 15 years. He founds Black Hand student day passes, Chaz and his crew Entertainment and begins promoting rob banks over a six-month period in after-fight parties for Mike Tyson. Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana. 1992 – Chaz transitions to hip-hop. He’s 11/5/1951 – Charles Williams (aka Nationalists of New Libya. He travels the 1974 – After being arrested for robbing the first promoter to bring Snoop Dogg “Chaz”, aka “Slim”) is born in Harlem, country, hiding out with and learning the Michigan National Bank, Chaz is to NYC. He goes on to work with stars the middle child of three. from black militant groups. sent to Lewisberg Correction Center. including Jay-Z, and 1956 – At age 5, Chaz’s father, a WWII 1969 – Chaz is arrested for robbing a 1976 – Chaz escapes from prison, then vet, moves his family to Queens. Chaz currency exchange near the Montreal recruits and trains a revolving crew of 1995 – Chaz starts gang mediation work grows up in the notorious 40s Projects. airport. Sent to Prison de Bordeaux in 20 men to become the most elite bank in prisons. Canada. robbers in U.S. history. He embarks upon 1956 -1963 – As a child, Chaz repeatedly a multi-state bank robbery spree, hitting 2000s – Chaz works with Dr. James visits relatives in the Deep South, 1969 – Chaz returns to NY. He launches dozens of banks with unprecedented Pruden to establish Gang Neutral Zone experiencing first-hand the injustices of his full-time career as a bank robber, efficiency and skill. at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson New Jim Crow segregation, which he credits targeting only banks insured by the U.S. Jersey. as forming his worldview. government. 1977 – After a shootout with the FBI, Chaz is caught and sentenced to 95 2015 to 2019 – Chaz works as a street 1963 – At 12, Chaz commits his first 1971 – Chaz sentenced to five years in years in prison. gang violence prevention counselor in armed robbery, of a drugstore. the Federal Correctional Institute Milan Chicago and other major cities, while in Michigan. He gets wind of a Bureau 1978 – Acting as his own attorney, Chaz continuing to build his entertainment 1967 – At 16, Chaz robs his first bank. of Prisons study release pilot program gets his sentenced reduced to 25 years. business. set to launch in 1973. Chaz hatches 1968 –Chaz is sentenced to 18 months the “long con” plot to rob banks while 1980s – Chaz earns a BA in Business juvenile detention in upstate NY. serving time. Administration and a BA in Human He escapes and runs to Cleveland, Service Administration while serving Ohio, where he falls in with the Black time. 14