June 1, 2010

ABILENE MAN CHARGED IN OVERLAND PARK BANK ROBBERY

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Larry Leonard Rice, 60, Abilene, Kan., has been charged with bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleges that on May 29, 2010, Rice robbed Bank of the West located in the Hy-Vee Grocery Store, 8900 West 135th Street, Overland Park, Kan. According to the complaint, Rice told the teller, “This is how it is going to go,” and lifted up his shirt and showed the teller what appeared to be the butt of a gun in his waistband. Then he said, “I want all the money. No dye packs.” He repeated the phrase, “Get me the money, get me the money.” Then he left the bank with the money.

On May 30, Rice turned himself in to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

If convicted, Rice faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Overland Park Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith is prosecuting.