LOUISIANA LAWYER SENTENCED TO 71 MONTHS FOR BANK ROBBERY

BIRMINGHAM, AL - United States Attorney Alice H. Martin of the Northern District of Alabama and Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, announce that SCOTT EASON MEECE was sentenced today on charges of Bank Robbery.

MEECE, 31, a lawyer from Hammond, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Judge Sharon L. Blackburn to 71 months  in prison, and given 3 years supervised release after the prison term is served.  MEECE was also ordered to pay restitution to Superior Bank in the amount of $10,442.00.  MEECE plead guilty on November 24, 2008.

"During tough economic times and at Christmas, we see an increase in bank robberies. I hope anyone contemplating this ‘quick fix’ to financial woes will appreciate three facts: you will be caught, you will go to jail, and you will be missed more than any gift would ever be enjoyed,” stated Alice H. Martin,  United States Attorney.  "Enjoy the holidays at home not in prison."

On December 5, 2006, MEECE entered the Superior Bank on Mt. Olive Road in Gardendale carrying a black suitcase.  MEECE made the manager fill a bag with money, and then escaped in a Nissan sedan.  MEECE was captured in April, 2007, in connection with another bank robbery in Mississippi.  MEECE confessed to both robberies and stated he had lost his job with a law firm and was in financial straits.

“I want to thank the local and state police who worked together to lead to Meece’s arrest,” stated Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.  “Law enforcement simply could not do their job without such helpful assistance.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gardendale Police Department and the Louisiana State Police worked together to investigate this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael W. Whisonant is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.