Timothy Polodna, Bank Robbery and Kidnapping, Missouri 2014

A brazen bank robbery and kidnapping in Springfield, Missouri, has ended with a 10-year prison sentence for Timothy Polodna, 54.

On July 9, 2014, Polodna entered the Bank of America branch at 633 W. Kearney St. in Springfield, wearing a disguise that included a ball cap, sunglasses, and a large piece of white gauze over his chin.

Polodna told bank employees he needed to talk to the manager about a loan and was directed to the manager’s office. The manager, on high alert due to Polodna’s apparent disguise, asked him to remove his hat and sunglasses.

Polodna then claimed he had an ‘explosive device with a remote’ and ordered the manager to stand up, turn around, and lift his pant legs to check for weapons. He then ordered the manager to take him to the vault.

The manager, who had already activated the alarm, tried to stall Polodna and suggested he wait in the office while the manager went to the vault alone. Polodna refused and demanded that he be taken to the vault.

After receiving $26,536 in cash, Polodna ordered the manager to open the doors for his exit from the bank. The manager complied, exiting each of the two doors while holding them open for Polodna to walk through. Once outside, Polodna told the manager to continue walking three blocks north before calling the police.

However, the manager initially complied and began to walk away, but after observing that Polodna had gone around the corner of the Rice House, the manager returned to the bank and called the authorities.

On July 14, 2014, the FBI received an anonymous tip that the vehicle in surveillance photos looked similar to a vehicle owned by Polodna’s father. Agents searched the basement of Polodna’s parents’ home and found a portion of the stolen money hidden in the area above the drop ceiling.

Polodna was arrested and later pleaded guilty to bank robbery and kidnapping. U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough sentenced him to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney and investigated by the Springfield Police Department and the FBI.

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