Park Rapids Man Indicted for Robbing Akeley Bank

Edward Joseph Lowen, age 54, of Park Rapids, was recently indicted in federal court for allegedly robbing the First National Bank of Walker, in Akeley, Minnesota, on February 26, 2010. The indictment, which was filed under seal in U.S. District Court on April 13, 2010, was unsealed following Lowen’s initial appearance in federal court in Bemidji late yesterday.

According to public documents, a lone, male, later identified as Lowen, walked into the bank on February 26, pointed an air pistol at a teller, and demanded money, ordering the teller to place the money in the bag he provided. After receiving approximately $2,525 in cash, the robber allegedly fled the premises in a Chevy Tahoe.

Authorities received several tips from the public after releasing photos of the robber to the media. Those tips resulted in consent searches and searches by warrant of Lowen’s Tahoe and residence. During those searches, authorities reportedly found items of clothing that matched those worn by the robber as well as a manual for an air pistol and a bag similar to the one used in the robbery.

If convicted, Lowen faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin S. Ueland.