Kansas City Man Convicted of Robberies in Topeka and Leavenworth

TOPEKA, KS—A Kansas City man has been convicted on federal charges of robbing financial institutions in Topeka and Leavenworth, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Charles E. Shaw, 55, Kansas City, Missouri, was convicted in a jury trial of the following:

• Robbing the Main Street Credit Union at 1609 S. 4th in Leavenworth, Kansas, on November 24, 2010, and brandishing a firearm during the robbery
• Robbing the Citizens National Bank at 601 Delaware Street in Leavenworth on February 14, 2011
• Robbing the Educational Credit Union at 901 Topeka Boulevard in Topeka, Kansas, on Dec. 30, 2011, and brandishing a firearm during the robbery
• Attempting to rob the Educational Credit Union again on February 9, 2012; carrying a firearm during the attempted robbery; and carrying a firearm after a felony conviction

Shaw was acquitted on a charge of robbing the Kaw Valley State Bank in Topeka on October 10, 2010.

Sentencing is set for February 19. The crimes carry the following penalties:

• Armed robbery: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count
• Brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence: Not less than seven years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on each count
• Carrying a firearm in a crime of violence: Not less than 25 years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on each count
• Carrying a firearm in a crime of violence after a felony conviction: Not less than 25 years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000

Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the Leavenworth Police Department, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.