SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – In a dramatic turn of events, Sean LaDue, 29, from Joplin, pleaded guilty in federal court to the chilling attempted armed robbery of Pinnacle Bank on November 14, 2016.
LaDue’s audacious plan was thwarted when the bank’s sole customer fought back during his attempted heist. The incident escalated into a violent shootout, leaving one robber wounded and the other, LaDue, on the run.
According to Acting United States Attorney Tom Larson for the Western District of Missouri, LaDue admitted to using a firearm in the botched bank raid. He also confessed to the use of a weapon during a crime of violence. The co-conspirator was apprehended shortly after the shootout.
The confrontation began when LaDue and an accomplice entered Pinnacle Bank at 3:50 p.m., demanding money. A struggle ensued in the lobby, leading to the robber firing three shots. The pair fled without any cash, but not before causing a scene that would have lasting repercussions for all involved.
LaDue’s capture followed a brief foot chase on November 16, 2016. He now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment without parole. The sentencing hearing will be scheduled after completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
The case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher and investigated by the Joplin Police Department and the FBI. This is yet another stark reminder of the dangers posed by armed robbers in our communities and the importance of quick and decisive law enforcement action.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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