Wentzville, Missouri, Man Indicted For Multiple Armed Bank Robberies And Shooting Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper

St. Louis, MO – A joint, cooperative investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and multiple local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the federal grand jury returning am indictment against WARREN J. GLADDERS, Wentzville, Missouri, for multiple armed bank robberies committed by Gladders between October 2012 and September 2013.  Following Gladders’ final armed bank robbery on September 20, 2013, Gladders was pursued and captured by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper. During the course of the capture, Gladders fired four rounds at the trooper.  One round struck the trooper in his protective ballistic vest.  The trooper returned fire, disabling Gladders and effectuating his arrest.

"The FBI and our local and state law enforcement partners have a close working relationship, especially when bank robberies involve physical violence," said Dean C. Bryant, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI St. Louis Division.  "As a result of the partnerships, 90% of the bank robberies last year in the entire Eastern Missouri have been solved."

If convicted, each charge of armed bank robbery carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  For his use and discharge of the firearm, Gladders is facing a maximum possible penalty of life in prison.  Gladders also faces an additional maximum possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison for his possession of an unregistered "sawed-off" shotgun on September 20, 2013, as well.  In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. 

In addition to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this case is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department, the Creve Coeur Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, the Jonesburg Police Department and the Wright City Police Department, along with coordination by the Warren County, St. Charles County and St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys’ Offices. 

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.