TUSCALOOSA MAN CHARGED WITH BANK ROBBERY

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Walter Allen Burns, 49, of Tuscaloosa, has been charged in U.S. District Court with bank robbery.  This indictment is announced today by U.S. Attorney Alice H.  Martin and FBI Special Agent in Charge, Carmen S. Adams.

            Burns is charged with the February 4, 2008, robbery of the Compass Bank in Tuscaloosa.  He was arrested on February 5, 2008, by Tuscaloosa Police.  He remains in police custody.

            “Burns now faces a prison sentence of twenty years in prison for a theft of $940.00,” states U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. 

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael W. Whisonant is prosecuting this matter.

            “Bank surveillance photographs were broadcast by local media outlets which lead to a tip that broke this case,” stated Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation. “This is an excellent example of how the public can play an important role in solving cases.”

            Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.