New Orleans Man Charged in Federal Court for Bank Robbery

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced yesterday that a federal grand jury returned an indictment against defendant TROYNELL COOKS, age 39, of New Orleans, for bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).

The federal indictment alleges that TROYNELL COOKS entered the Hancock Bank at 2421 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, and demanded money.

If convicted of the violation, TROYNELL COOKS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.

An indictment is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

This matter was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case.