Fidelity Bank is opening a second Decatur location at the old Decatur First Bank building along Commerce Drive.

How do I know this?  Well, because FMFats sent us this picture.

Decatur First Bank was acquired by Fidelity Bank back in 2011.

Fidelity’s first location is at 160 Clairemont Ave.  That building’s parking lot is currently being developed into apartments by Paces Properties.

An update on takeover of Decatur First Bank by Fidelity Bank.

Carl Black took this picture of the sign at what was once the main branch of DBF yesterday, which announces that both the main Commerce Drive office and the Kroger satellite locations will close.  Carl reports that Fidelity must provide 30 days notice to customers before doing so, but the plan is to close both branches before Christmas.

In related news, an inside source tells DM that six former Decatur First Bank employees have been laid-off to date due to the change in ownership.

Very upsetting.  Based on FMFats comment in FFAF, I went searching and found this press release posted just minutes ago by FDIC…

Decatur First Bank, Decatur, Georgia, was closed today by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Fidelity Bank, Atlanta, Georgia, to assume all of the deposits of Decatur First Bank.

The five branches of Decatur First Bank will reopen during their normal business hours beginning Saturday as branches of Fidelity Bank. Depositors of Decatur First Bank will automatically become depositors of Fidelity Bank. Deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC, so there is no need for customers to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage up to applicable limits. Customers of Decatur First Bank should continue to use their existing branch until they receive notice from Fidelity Bank that it has completed systems changes to allow other Fidelity Bank branches to process their accounts as well.

This evening and over the weekend, depositors of Decatur First Bank can access their money by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.

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GeorgiaBankRobbery.com has released this photo of the suspect being sought in last week’s afternoon robbery of Decatur First Bank.

The suspect is described on the site as a black male, “5’6 – 5’9, slim build, 160 lbs, possible black matted dreads hair style, possibly mustache, dark complected, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, light colored blue jeans.”

The “narrative” on the site details the events of the robbery this way…”The robber entered the bank and approached the teller counter. He handed the teller a note. After receiving the money he fled on foot.”  No weapon was shown.

If you recognize or see this individual, contact Decatur PD 404 373-6551 or the FBI at 404 679-9000.

h/t: Patch

Patch reports that Decatur First Bank was robbed just before 4:00pm today. Thankfully, no one was hurt and no weapon was displayed.  Patch says that the suspect fled with an unspecified amount of money.

I just hope none of our good friends at DFB were too traumatized by the event!

UPDATE: The AJC has a new, more detailed story on the case this morning, with more neighbor accounts and mention of DeToma’s Sr.’s court appearance yesterday afternoon.  Articles about the murder of Gary DeToma Jr. have been hovering among the most popular posts all week on the Atlanta paper’s website, so expect them to stay on top of this story for a while.

A few commenters reported yesterday that a fund had been set up at Decatur First Bank for Gary DeToma Jr.  Here are the details…

A fund has been set up to help the family with expenses. Here is the information:

Decatur First Bank

Gary DeToma Jr Fund

The bank is accepting cash and/or checks-checks should be made out to the Gary DeToma Jr. Fund.

Donations can be made at the bank or mailed–The mailing address is 1120 Commerce Dr. Decatur, Ga. 30030 or 720 Commerce Dr. Decatur, Ga. 30030

In related news, the principal of College Heights ECLC sent out an letter to parents yesterday, which mentions the fund and provides a couple new details of the timeline for Gary Jr.’s funeral and the condition of his brother.

Chief Booker sends in this sad story and call for help…

I haven’t blogged in a while but I just wanted to share with our community a terrible event that occurred last Sunday night (May 16) . Decatur Police Officer Amy Hall’s house was completely lost due to a fire. She and her family lost everything but no one was injured. She was able to retrieve all but one of her pets from inside. She was in the process of packing her belongings from her residence in Walton County and relocating here in the City of Decatur. She has spoken at many events here in the city including at our Citizens Public Safety graduation.

We have set up an account in her name at the Decatur First Bank with the help of Judy Turner and Ann Berg. Officer Hall is a great police officer but more importantly she is a great person. Please think about her and her family during this stressful time in her life. Thanks for allowing me to share this with you all.

Sincerely, Chief Booker