Long Beach, California Man Indicted for Two Bank Robberies as Well as Threatening to Use Explosive Devices

DENVER—Scott Shawn Kosterow, age 38, of Long Beach, California, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver late yesterday on charges of threatening to use explosive devices and bank robbery, Acting U.S. Attorney David Gaouette and FBI Special Agent in Charge James Davis announced today. Kosterow will likely make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court tomorrow, where he will be advised by a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the charges pending against him.

On January 19, 2009, Kosterow allegedly made a phone call to a Target store in Sheridan, Colorado, where he threatened to use explosive devices if certain extortion demands of cash were not met. On January 20, 2009, the indictment alleges that Kosterow robbed a Key Bank in Broomfield, Colorado. Then, on January 28, 2009, Kosterow allegedly robbed the Colorado State Bank and Trust in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. After that robbery, and thanks to a thorough description of the robber given by the tellers in the bank, an alert Douglas County Sheriff Sergeant noticed a vehicle matching the description of the car used to get away from the bank. The Sergeant pulled over the vehicle, and noticed that the driver also matched the description of the bank robber. The defendant was then arrested. Further investigation revealed that Kosterow was the person responsible for the January 19, 2009 threat against Target as well as the January 20, 2009 bank robbery in Broomfield.

“I congratulate the extraordinary efforts and professionalism of both the Highlands Ranch bank tellers and the Douglas County Sheriff Sergeant who ended this crime spree,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David Gaouette.

“The FBI remains committed to protecting the American people against threats, both foreign and domestic,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge James Davis. “This indictment is the result of a joint effort with our local partners to keep our community safe.”

If convicted of one count of making threats—interfering with commerce, the defendant faces not more than 20 years in federal prison, as well as up to a $250,000 fine. If convicted of each of the two counts of bank robbery, Kosterow faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and not more than $250,000 fine. He also could be ordered to pay restitution.

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, the Sheridan Police Department, and the Broomfield Police Department.

Kosterow is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Sibert.

The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.