Lockport Man Arrested, Charged With Bank Robbery, Attempted Bank Robbery

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that David E. Foltz, 34, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery and attempted bank robbery for incidents in Rochester and Brockport, NY. The charges carry a maximum sentenced of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Moynihan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 12, 2015, the defendant entered the Canandaigua National Bank and Trust on Alexander St. in Rochester. Foltz approached a teller and indicated that he wanted to open an account. After a short time, the defendant was taken into the office of a manager at which time he asked once again about opening an account as well as a safe deposit box. Foltz asked to go to the safe deposit box area but was told he could only go to the area if he purchased a box. At that time, the defendant lifted up his shirt revealing a black box with green buttons and black wires and a black handgun. Foltz stated “I’ve got this and this, so take me back to the vault.” The defendant then ordered the manager to get all of the $100’s, $50’s and $20’s from the tellers. After collecting the money, Foltz left the bank. After reviewing surveillance photos, law enforcement officers believe the defendant was wearing a bullet proof vest.

The complaint further states that on November 12, 2015, the defendant entered the Chase Bank branch on Main St. in Brockport. After waiting in line with several other customers, Foltz left the bank appearing agitated and rushed. The defendant returned approximately 30 minutes later and got back in to the teller line. Foltz once again inquired about opening an account and a safe deposit box. After adjusting his shirt, a bank employee noticed what appeared to be the handle of a gun and activated an alarm. The defendant asked twice if the alarm was activated but the employee did not answer. At that time, Foltz left the bank without any money. After reviewing surveillance photos, law enforcement officers believe the defendant was once again wearing a bullet proof vest.

According to the complaint, the defendant committed similar incidents on November 14, 2015 in Brooklyn, NY and December 4, 2015 in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Foltz made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and is being held pending a detention hearing on January 27, 2016 at 3:30 p.m.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Rochester Area Major Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen; the New York State Police Troop E Canandaigua, Special Investigations Unit Buffalo, and Troop T Dunkirk; the Rochester Police Department, the Brockport Police Department, the New York City Police Department; the FBI New York Office; the Erie, PA Police Department; the FBI Pittsburgh Office; the Girard, Ohio Police Department; the FBI Cleveland Office; and the Lockport Police Department.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.