Bank Robber Appears in Federal Court on Robbery Charges
Defendant Suspected of Taking Approximately $21,000

LAFAYETTE, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced the indictment and arrest of Douglas Edward Ford, 46, of San Antonio, Texas, on federal charges involving bank robbery and attempted bank robbery. Ford appeared in federal court today before Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill.

On September 24, 2010, a four-count indictment was returned by the Western District of Louisiana Federal Grand Jury charging Ford with three counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on three separate occasions Ford was successful in robbing three banks: Jeff Davis Bank, Jennings, La.; Whitney Bank, Sulphur, La.; and Rayne State Bank, Rayne, La. On one occasion, Ford attempted to rob the First National Bank of Louisiana, Crowley, La.

Ford is currently being detained and is awaiting trial. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty up to 20 years’ incarceration, a fine of $250,000.00, or both.

An indictment is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence under the law, and the government has the burden of proving every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Brett L. Grayson.