Norman bank robbery suspect arrested

OKLAHOMA CITY – Clayton Leroy Bower, 43, of Norman, has been arrested in connection with a robbery of Chase Bank in Norman, U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing announced Tuesday.

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed on Oct. 28, Bower entered the Chase Bank branch near Robinson Street and 36th Avenue late in the day on Friday, Oct. 25.  He allegedly handed a plastic grocery sack and a demand note to a teller, who filled the sack with approximately $2,730.

After bank surveillance photos were published in the media, law enforcement received information that pointed to Bower.  He was arrested at his Norman apartment on Oct. 27 and made an initial appearance Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shon T. Erwin.

If found guilty of bank robbery, Bower faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and mandatory restitution.

This case is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Oklahoma City Division and the Norman Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Kumiega is prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation and that Bower is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.