Second Cape Cod Man Convicted in Bank Robbery

BOSTON—A Cape Cod man was convicted today in federal court for robbing the Rockland Trust in November 2009.

Travis Buchanan, 38, of Mashpee, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Joseph L. Tauro to armed bank robbery.

Had the case proceeded to trial, the government’s evidence would have proven that on November 17, 2009, an individual later identified as Sprague Buchanan entered the Rockland Trust on Clay Pond Road in Bourne with a weapon resembling a handgun. While inside, Sprague Buchanan brandished the weapon and demanded money from the tellers. The tellers complied with Buchanan’s demands and he fled from the bank with $3,304 in U.S. currency. Sprague Buchanan’s twin brother, Travis Buchanan, was waiting for him in an adjoining parking lot. Sprague entered the vehicle and the two fled the scene. They were later arrested in Mashpee with the weapon and the bank’s money.

Judge Tauro scheduled sentencing for September 15, 2011. Travis Buchanan faces up to 25 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sprague Buchanan, who was previously convicted of the armed robbery was sentenced to 60 months by Judge Tauro in February.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bourne and Mashpee Police Departments, and the Barnstable County District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crime Unit.