Hyde Park Man Charged with Armed Bank Robbery

BOSTON – A Hyde Park man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with bank robbery.

Paul Whooten, 56, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of armed bank robbery. Whooten was detained following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley.

 According to the charging documents, on Dec. 21, 2019, an individual wearing black clothing and a mask walked into a branch of Rockland Trust Bank in Hyde Park with what appeared to be a firearm. The robber pointed the firearm at the teller and said, “Give me all of your money.” The teller filled the robber’s bag with cash, and the robber fled the bank on foot. Bank surveillance cameras captured images of the robber wearing a long dark coat, black reflective jacket, a black knit hat, black sunglasses and gloves. A police officer stationed inside of the bank broadcast a description of the robber.

 As alleged in the complaint, another police officer observed an individual matching the description of the robber walking down Truman Parkway. The officer issued verbal commands to the robber to drop the gun and get on the ground. The robber complied and was apprehended by law enforcement. A black rifle-type BB gun and bag of cash were recovered from the robber, who was identified as Whooten.

 The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 25years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.