Park Rapids Man Convicted of Robbing Akeley Bank

A 54-year-old Park Rapids man was convicted yesterday in federal court in Duluth for robbing the Akeley branch of First National Bank of Walker on February 26, 2010. Following a two-day trial, Edward Joseph Lowen was found guilty by a jury on one count of bank robbery on July 13, 2010. Lowen was indicted on April 13, 2010.

According to evidence presented at trial, 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, he fled the premises in a Chevy Tahoe. Authorities received several tips from the public after releasing photos of the robber. Those tips resulted in consent and warrant searches of Lowen’s Tahoe and residence. During those searches, authorities 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.

For his crimes, Lowen faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. United States District Court Judge Richard H. Kyle will determine his sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled.

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. Attorneys Kevin S. Ueland and David P. Steinkamp.