John Scott Brooks, Bank Robbery, Oklahoma 2024

Defendant Charged with Bank Robbery in Lawton, Oklahoma

In a brazen daylight robbery, John Scott Brooks, 36, of Lawton, Oklahoma, allegedly stormed the Southwest Oklahoma Federal Credit Union (SOFCU) in Lawton, Oklahoma, and made off with a substantial amount of cash. According to eyewitnesses, Brooks pulled into the drive-thru lane of SOFCU, located at 6714 West Gore Boulevard, during the morning on March 23.

Brooks allegedly handed a demand note to a teller, along with what appeared to the teller to be an explosive device. He then held up a tablet that was counting down time, and the teller provided cash to Brooks. Bank surveillance photos were published in the media, and a search warrant was executed at Brooks’ residence in Lawton, which led law enforcement to obtain information that resulted in Brooks’ arrest yesterday.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma announced the arrest and charges against Brooks. U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Oklahoma City Field Office and the Lawton Police Department for their tireless work on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Kumeiga is prosecuting the case.

Brooks made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell in Oklahoma City, where he was ordered detained pending further proceedings in the case. If found guilty of bank robbery, Brooks faces a maximum potential penalty of twenty years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and mandatory restitution.

The charges against Brooks are merely an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The public is reminded that this case is ongoing, and further developments will be reported as they become available.

The Southwest Oklahoma Federal Credit Union has been cooperating fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation and is confident that justice will be served. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The case is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lawton Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for crimes to justice.

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