Defendant Arrested and Charged with Robbery at Iberia Bank in Pompano Beach

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, announce that defendant Andrew W. Kotcherha, 46, has been arrested and charged with robbery of an Iberia Bank in Pompano Beach, FL, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113. If convicted, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

According to the allegations in the complaint affidavit filed in this case, on January 28, 2010, at approximately 1:09 p.m., defendant Kotcherha robbed the Iberia Bank on Federal Highway in Pompano Beach. Kotcherha allegedly approached a teller and presented a note that said, "I Have A Gun. All 50s and 20s NOW." After receiving the money, Kotcherha fled from the bank on foot. Law enforcement officers later identified Kotcherha from surveillance photographs, eyewitness identifications, and law enforcement databases. In addition, officers also found clothing linking Kotcherha to the robbery.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry S. Seltzer found Kotcherha to be indigent and appointed the Federal Public Defender’s Office to represent him. An arraignment is scheduled before the Fort Lauderdale Duty Magistrate Judge at 11:00 a.m., February 16, 2010.

A complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Broward Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Linder.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.