Inver Grove Heights Man Sentenced for Robbing Cannon Falls Bank

A 24-year-old Inver Grove Heights man was sentenced earlier today in federal court in Minneapolis for the July 7, 2009, robbery of the White Rock Bank in Cannon Falls. United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen sentenced Christopher Lee Anson to 34 months in prison on one count of armed bank robbery. Anson was indicted on August 3, 2009, and pleaded guilty on April 13, 2010.

In his plea agreement, Anson admitted stealing $2,687 from the bank and jeopardizing the life of another during the commission of that crime. According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, the bank, located at 31377 County Road 24, was robbed at 12:08 p.m. on July 7, 2009. The robber, later identified as Anson, ordered a teller to place money in a white, plastic, grocery bag. When the teller failed to comply immediately, the robber brandished a knife and repeated his request. He also said, “Don’t tell anyone, or you will be hurt.” Ultimately, the robber acquired the money and fled the premises.

Soon after the robbery, Anson was stopped for speeding. The police officer asked Anson for his address and informed him the speeding ticket would be delivered to him by mail. The officer, who then was notified of the robbery, proceeded to the bank.

While reviewing bank surveillance camera footage, the officer recognized Anson from the traffic stop. As a result, authorities headed to the address Anson had provided earlier. There, at his apartment, Anson was arrested. Police also recovered the stolen money, the knife brandished during the robbery, and clothing that matched what the robber had been wearing.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Cannon Falls Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Inver Grove Heights Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erika R. Mozangue.