Hogsett Announces Local Man Charged with Robbing Two Scott County-Area Banks
More Local Results in Ongoing U.S. Attorney Violent Crime Initiative
| U.S. Attorney’s Office September 05, 2012 |
SCOTTSBURG—Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Billy Joe Dugard, age 36, of Crothersville, has been charged by federal indictment with robbing two Scott County-area banks.
“This case is the perfect example of a team win for Scott County,” Hogsett said. “By bringing together federal, state, and local resources, our Violent Crime Initiative is producing significant results and sending a message that law enforcement is united in our efforts to reduce violent crime in this community.”
The indictment alleges that on April 24, 2012, Billy Joe Dugard entered the Scott County State Bank branch located at 125 West McClain, presented a note to the teller demanding money and was given the cash before fleeing the scene. The indictment further alleges that on April 30, 2012, Billy Joe Dugard entered the PNC Bank branch located at 46 East State Road 60, in Pekin, and similarly presented a demand note to the teller, fleeing with the stolen money.
This prosecution comes as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI),and is the result of collaborative investigative efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals, and the Indiana State Police. Significant local assistance was provided by the Scottsburg Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Pekin Police Department, and the Delaware (Ohio) County Sheriff’s Department.
Launched in March 2011, the VCI has produced a dramatic increase in the number of gun-related charges brought federally—from just 14 charges in 2010 to more than 110 last year. Already in 2012, 61 felons in possession of a firearm charges have been filed as part of the Violent Crime Initiative, putting the office on pace to meet or exceed last year’s total.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley, who is prosecuting the case for the government, Dugard faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An initial hearing will be scheduled in New Albany before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.