Saturday, December 11, 2010

Former Phoenix Police Officer Charged in Multiple Bank Robberies

PHOENIX—Former Phoenix Police Officer Chad Michael Goulding (DOB 9/30/1970) has been arrested and charged with carrying out five Phoenix area bank robberies during a five month period in 2006. Goulding, who left the Phoenix Police force in 2005 after serving on the force for 13 years, is currently in custody and held on a $1,000,000 bond. His apprehension and indictment is the culmination of a four-year cooperative investigation involving the FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

“Anytime an individual commits armed bank robbery the potential for violence increase and puts everyone in danger,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Nathan Gray, Phoenix Division. “The indictment and arrest of Chad Michael Goulding is another excellent example of the effectiveness of the FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force, which is comprised of the Phoenix Police Department, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Mesa Police Department, and the Scottsdale Police Department. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners, including the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, are committed to reducing the number of armed serial bank robberies,” Gray added.

The 95-count indictment includes charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and theft. According to the indictment, Goulding robbed five Bank of America branches in Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, and Scottsdale from June to November 2006, seizing a total of $133,650. In each incident, Goulding allegedly wore a ski mask, brandished a firearm, and ordered customers to lie down on the floor. He was identified and captured with the help of extensive detective work and assistance from the public.

“This case is a textbook example of how local and federal law enforcement agencies can work together to solve serious crimes and bring dangerous criminals to justice,” remarked Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “This office will not waver in its commitment to ensure that justice is carried out in every case, no matter how long it takes. I applaud the hard work of our partners in this case and their dedication to protect the citizens of Maricopa County,” he added.

Contact:
Jerry Cobb, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
cobbj@mcao.maricopa.gov

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