Shawnee bank robbery suspect arrested in Mississippi

OKLAHOMA CITY – Adam J. Steele, 26, has been charged with the robbery of an IBC Bank in Shawnee, Oklahoma, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

According to a complaint filed in federal court in Oklahoma City on May 1, 2018, a man robbed a branch of IBC Bank on North Harrison Avenue in Shawnee on April 14, 2018, by presenting a note that read: “give me $10,000, you won’t get shot if you give it to me, don’t be stupid.”  The man allegedly left the bank with $2,909 in cash.  According to the complaint, he was carrying a canvas bag and wearing a dark-colored ball cap, dark sunglasses, and a bright orange sweatshirt.

The complaint alleges the robber was Steele and that he was arrested in Hernando, Mississippi, on April 27 for driving a stolen 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe registered in Oklahoma.  Investigators searched the vehicle and found clothing matching the description of the suspect during the robbery, as well as a canvas bag.

Steele is currently in Mississippi state custody.  He is expected to be returned to Oklahoma in the coming weeks to make his appearance in federal court.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, with assistance from the Shawnee Police Department and the Hugo Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Arvo Mikkanen is prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that this complaint is merely an allegation and that Steele is innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.