St. Paul Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

A 37-year-old St. Paul man was sentenced today in federal court for robbing the TCF Bank, located at 459 North Lexington Ave., St. Paul, twice in December 2007.

On Sept. 8 in Minneapolis, United States District Court Chief Judge Michael Davis sentenced Shane Nathaniel Townsend to 151 months in prison and three years of supervised release on one count of bank robbery. Townsend was indicted on Jan. 7, 2008, and pleaded guilty on March 12, 2009.

According to Townsend’s plea agreement, he admitted taking $3,065 from the bank on Dec. 5, 2007, and $450 from the bank on Dec. 11, 2007.

According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation affidavit, at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, a teller was approached by a man, later identified as Townsend. He gave the teller a note that said, “Give me big bills” and “don’t get hurt.” Townsend took the money provided by the teller and exited the bank.

The teller saw Townsend walk north toward University Avenue and attempt to hail a public bus, which was headed eastbound on University Avenue. The bus went past Townsend but he was seen chasing it down the street.

St. Paul Police officers located and stopped the bus on University Avenue at Chatsworth Street. As officers entered the front of the bus, Townsend exited the back of the bus and attempted to flee. He was apprehended but resisted arrest and was tased. Police found on Townsend’s person the demand note and $450 in cash.

This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI and the St. Paul Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan P. Petterson.

Press Releases | Minneapolis Home