Anchorage Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Bank Robbery

Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Scott Hartvig McDowell, 49, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to serve four years in prison for his conviction for bank robbery, followed by three years of supervised release. McDowell was also ordered to pay $2,700 in restitution.

On Aug. 2, 2016, McDowell walked into Alaska USA Federal Credit Union located at 777 Juneau Street in Anchorage and presented a note to the teller asking her to empty the cash drawer. McDowell asked for $50 and $100 bills. The teller gave him approximately $2,700 in U.S. currency. McDowell was apprehended several days later by law enforcement.

Judge Gleason reflected on McDowell's history of thefts and robberies, and noted, "As a society, this type of conduct is something that we cannot have." She also observed that bank robberies are terrifying experiences for the tellers and customers who are only there to work and conduct legitimate transactions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh prosecuted this case for the United States.

Acting U.S. Attorney Schroder commends the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Anchorage Police Department for the successful investigation and prosecution of this case.