Colorado Springs Man Sentenced to more than 21 Years for Bank Robberies

Denver- The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Jared Lincoln Fitzgerald, age 46, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for four counts of bank robbery, including one with force.

“Bank robberies are crimes of violence that traumatize the victims, and we are dedicated to seeking justice for those victims,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We are grateful for our partners at the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task force for their work and commitment to hold bank robbers accountable.“

According to the plea agreement, on July 24, 2020, the defendant, wearing a face covering and a yellow hard hat, entered the MidFirst Bank on North Cook Street in Denver. He approached the desk of a bank employee and showed the employee a note that said, “This is a robbery.” The defendant then told three bank employees, “There is a problem. The problem is you’re being robbed.” The defendant lifted the front of his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a black handgun in his waistband. He ordered the employees to the vault and began yelling at them. At one point, the defendant began counting down and the employees feared they would be shot. Once the vault was opened, he took money, ordered the employees to stay inside the vault, and exited the bank.

On October 9, 2020, the defendant entered the same MidFirst Bank on North Cook Street in Denver. He approached the gate to the teller line with what appeared to be a gun in his hand. He ordered bank employees, both present during the previous MidFirst robbery, to access the vault room. The defendant forced all the bank employees into the vault room. He said, “If the cops come, there will be a shootout” and ordered the employees to open the safe. The defendant removed cash and left the bank.

On April 13, 2021, the defendant entered the Power Credit Union on East Evans Avenue in Pueblo. He asked to speak to the manager. He displayed a robbery note threatening the employees. He directed employees into the vault and ordered them to open it. At one point, the defendant told a credit union employee he would take them hostage if the police showed up. He removed cash and left the credit union.

On July 20, 2021, the defendant entered the Wells Fargo Bank on West 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. He was armed with a semi-automatic handgun that he kept in a holster on his hip and was clearly visible to the employees. He stated in a loud voice he needed to speak with a manager about fraudulent checks. He identified himself as a law enforcement official. When the manager spoke with him, the defendant displayed a note that said “This is a robbery. I am armed with a gun.” He ordered the employees to the vault and ordered the manager to put money into a bag he provided. He then left the bank.

Agents and task force officers from the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force executed warrants on the defendant’s house, storage locker and vehicles, locating items matching the clothing worn and weapons used in the robberies.

Senior Judge Christine M. Arguello sentenced the defendant on August 10, 2022. She also sentenced him to five years supervised release.

“Jared Lincoln Fitzgerald committed four takeover-style robberies, all while he was under supervision for previous bank robberies,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider.  “Fitzgerald clearly knew the consequences of his actions and still chose to break the law and terrorize his victims. This lengthy sentence is appropriate for this defendant; keeping him behind bars helps keep our communities safe.”

This case was investigated by the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Dunn prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Case number: 21-cr-00274-CMA