Criminals often walk among us, but some leave a trail of destruction that can’t be ignored. In the case of Shane E. Bowlin, a 39-year-old man from Hamilton, Ohio, his crimes have landed him in hot water. Bowlin pleaded guilty to bank robbery, attempted bank robbery, and possession of child pornography.
On June 20, 2013, Bowlin robbed a Fifth Third Bank in Lambertville, Michigan, using a dangerous weapon. This was not his first attempt at bank robbery, as he also attempted to rob a Citizens Bank in Verona, Pennsylvania, and successfully robbed a PNC Bank in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. In July, he robbed the Delaware County Bank and Trust Company in Galena, Ohio.
During the investigation, authorities discovered a large amount of cash in a hotel room occupied by Bowlin and in his vehicle. They also found dye-stained money and disposable gloves tying him to the Lambertville robbery. Perhaps the most disturbing discovery was approximately 1,700 images and 55 videos depicting child pornography in a thumb drive and on a laptop computer.
Bowlin pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery, including the Michigan robbery, which was originally filed in the Eastern District of Michigan and transferred to the Southern District of Ohio. He also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted bank robbery and possession of child pornography. The Michigan robbery carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Each of the other counts is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. U.S. Attorney Carter M. Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by the FBI, Sharonville Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Canal Fulton Police Department, Monroe County, Mich. Sheriff’s Office, and Penn Hills, Pa. Police Department, as well as Criminal Chief Kenneth L. Parker, who is representing the United States in this case.
The case against Bowlin serves as a reminder that crime doesn’t pay and that those who commit heinous acts will be brought to justice. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in bringing these individuals to justice.
In the end, Bowlin’s guilty plea will likely result in a lengthy prison sentence and a hefty fine. It’s a small victory for justice, but a vital one nonetheless.
In the words of U.S. Attorney Stewart, ‘The cooperative investigation by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies led to the successful prosecution of Shane Bowlin, and we commend their hard work and dedication to justice.’
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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