Bank Robber Sentenced

January 21, 2010 - Justin K. Shaw, 30, Sellersburg, was sentenced to 96 months in prison late yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young following his guilty plea to armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jeffersonville Police Department, and the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department.

On April 10, 2009, Shaw entered a branch of Your Community Bank located on East Highway 62, Jeffersonville, Clark County, Indiana, displayed a handgun, and robbed the federally insured bank of approximately $7,778.00. Along with the money, Shaw was handed a dye pack which detonated when he left the bank. Responding police officers were unable to locate the robber immediately.

Later the same day, Shaw attempted a purchase at a coffee shop in Louisville with a red dye stained $50.00 bill. Employees of the store notified police officers, who soon thereafter initiated a stop of the vehicle in which Shaw had left the store. The driver had an outstanding warrant and was arrested. Shaw, the passenger, was removed from the car and a search revealed a handgun located directly underneath where he had been seated. Dye stained currency was found in the possession of the driver, identified as Shaw’s girlfriend. Shaw was then arrested by Louisville Metro Police authorities for possession of the handgun without a permit. Aware of the search for the perpetrator of this robbery, and recognizing that Shaw fit the description of the robber, Louisville authorities notified the Jeffersonville Police Department of Shaw’s apprehension.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Warden, who prosecuted the case for the government, Judge Young also imposed five years supervised release following Shaw’s release from prison and ordered Shaw to pay restitution in the amount of $7,778.