Indictment Unsealed for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery, Bank Robbery, and Brandishing a Firearm

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that AARON RUDOLPH, age 25, and JOHN RUDOLPH, age 42, both of New Orleans, were charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 15, 2017, AARON and JOHN RUDOLPH entered the First Bank and Trust located at 1320 South Morrison Boulevard, in Hammond. The defendants then robbed the bank of approximately $10,490.96 of United States currency, while brandishing a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, Title 18 United States Code 2113(a) and (d), and Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, AARON and JOHN RUDOLPH each face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. As to the bank robbery charge, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years, a fine of $250,000, five years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. For brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, each defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of life, a fine of $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.