Elk River Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

A 23-year-old Elk River man was sentenced today in federal court for robbing the Bank of Elk River on June 17, 2009. In Minneapolis, United States District Court Chief Judge Michael J. Davis sentenced Joshua Gene Paulson to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release on one count of bank robbery. Paulson was indicted on July 13, 2009, and pleaded guilty on September 8, 2009.

In his plea agreement, Paulson admitted taking $4,089 from the bank, which is located at 846 Freeport Avenue in Elk River. According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation affidavit, the bank was robbed at approximately 9 a.m. on June 17.

The robber, later identified as Paulson, walked into the bank and took a seat near the main doors. After a moment, he approached a teller and explained he was wearing bandages on his face because he had been in an accident. He then requested help filling out a withdrawal slip. When the teller gave him a slip, he handed the teller a note that read, “Don’t say a word, put the money in the bag.” He handed the teller a white, plastic bag, and after receiving cash, he fled the bank.

Shortly thereafter, police spotted Paulson at the intersection of Fourth Street and King Avenue. He was riding a mountain bike, a pack slung over his back. When Paulson saw the officers, he jumped off the bike and fled on foot. He was quickly apprehended, and inside the backpack, officers found clothing that matched what had been worn by the robber. They also found cash inside a plastic bag.

This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Elk River Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen.